At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor junior engineers in refrigeration and HVAC systems.
- Company: Join OCS UK & Ireland, a top facilities management company.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible pay, digital learning, and exclusive retail perks.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values diversity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years experience in commercial HVAC/R systems and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Working Days: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Lead Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineer to join our mobile technical services team. This senior-level role is ideal for a time-served engineer with extensive experience in large-scale refrigeration and HVAC systems, who is also passionate about mentoring and supporting the development of junior engineers. You will lead by example in delivering advanced technical services, supporting complex installations, and ensuring compliance across a diverse portfolio of commercial sites. You will also play a key role in knowledge sharing, technical guidance, and continuous improvement within the team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Technical Leadership & Mentorship
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior and mid-level engineers.
- Support training and development initiatives, including on-the-job coaching and technical troubleshooting guidance.
- Act as a point of escalation for complex technical issues and assist in root cause analysis and resolution.
- Advanced Service & Maintenance
- Lead planned and reactive maintenance, servicing, and repairs on:
- Large-scale VRV/VRF systems
- Central plant refrigeration systems
- Chillers, cold rooms, and multi-compressor systems
- Advanced AHUs, heat pumps, and integrated HVAC systems
- Diagnose and resolve faults across electrical, mechanical, and refrigerant systems with a focus on long-term reliability and performance.
- Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all works meet or exceed F-Gas & ODS regulations, technical standards, and manufacturer specifications.
- Conduct quality audits and support continuous improvement in service delivery and compliance.
- Promote and enforce safe working practices across all operational activities.
- Documentation & Reporting
- Review and validate service documentation, inspection reports, and remedial work records.
- Provide technical feedback and improvement suggestions to internal teams and clients.
- Use digital tools (PDA/mobile apps) to manage workflow, reporting, and communication.
- Client Engagement & Collaboration
- Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, offering expert advice and reassurance.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support project planning, mobilisation, and service enhancements.
- Represent the technical team in client meetings and site reviews when required.
- Emergency Support & Escalation
- Participate in the emergency on-call rota and provide senior-level support during critical incidents.
- Lead or support emergency response efforts, ensuring rapid resolution and minimal disruption.
Requirements
- Time-served apprenticeship in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning
- City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ or equivalent in HVAC, Refrigeration, or Mechanical Engineering
- F-Gas & ODS Regulations (Category 1 – 2079)
- Minimum 5–10 years of hands-on experience in commercial HVAC/R systems
- Proven experience with large-scale refrigeration systems and central plant equipment
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation and Permit to Work systems
- Experience mentoring or supervising engineering teams
- Excellent fault-finding and diagnostic skills
- Proficient in using digital reporting tools and mobile apps
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Full UK driving licence
About The Company:
OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering. Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.
Why Work for OCS?
- Award-Winning Employer: Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
- Digital Learning: The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
- Retail Perks: With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
- Professional Growth: 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
- Flexible Pay: Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)
How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available. We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in Bristol employer: OCS Group
OCS UK & Ireland is an award-winning employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering extensive training through the OCS Academy and a supportive work culture rooted in Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment. With a commitment to professional advancement and a diverse, inclusive environment, employees benefit from flexible pay options and exclusive retail perks, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in Bristol
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer role you’re after at OCS Group.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at OCS Group a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at OCS Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer at OCS Group, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at OCS Group a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to OCS Group specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at OCS Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with OCS Group, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like OCS Group want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
