Project Manager (Chiller Plant / District Cooling)

About the job  

This role is responsible for leading and delivering chiller plant / district cooling system projects from planning through commissioning. The role ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with technical specifications, safety standards, and contractual requirements while maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships.
 
Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

• Plan, manage, and execute chiller plant / district cooling system projects from award to handover.
• Develop project schedules, work plans, budgets, and resource allocations
• Monitor project progress and control cost, quality, and timelines
• Coordinate with clients, consultants, main contractors, and internal teams
• Manage project risks, variations, claims, and change orders

Technical & Engineering Coordination

• Review chiller plant / district cooling designs, drawings, and specifications to ensure technical compliance
• Coordinate design development, shop drawings, material submittals, and approvals
• Provide technical guidance to site teams on chiller plant / district cooling installation and commissioning
• Ensure systems meet contractual performance, energy efficiency, and regulatory requirements

Site & Construction Management

• Oversee chiller plant / district cooling installation works on site, ensuring adherence to drawings, method statements, and safety requirements
• Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and execution
• Conduct site inspections, progress meetings, and coordination meetings
• Resolve site issues, clashes, and technical challenges promptly

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as a point of contact for project-related inquiries.
• Facilitate effective communication between engineering, procurement, construction teams, and external partners.

Commissioning & Handover

• Plan and manage testing, commissioning, and balancing of chiller plant / district cooling systems
• Ensure proper documentation including as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and test reports
• Manage final inspections and handover to clients
• Support defects liability period and warranty-related issues

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with workplace safety, health, and environmental regulations
• Enforce safety standards and best practices on all project sites
• Ensure compliance with local codes, standards, and authority requirements (e.g. ASHRAE)

Qualifications :

• Hands-on experience with:
  • 1) Chillers (Centrifugal, Screw, Magnetic Bearing, etc.)
  • 2) Cooling towers and condenser water systems
  • 3) Primary / Secondary / Variable Flow pumping systems
  • 4) Thermal Energy Storage system (advantageous)
• Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields
• Professional certifications such as; PMP, Certified Energy Manager will be an added advantage
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant project management experience in chiller plant / district cooling systems
• Proven track record managing large-scale project involving;
  • 1) Centralized Chilled Water Plants
  • 2) District Cooling Systems (DCS)
  • 3) Large chiller plants for commercial, industrial, infrastructure, campus developments
• Strong technical knowledge in
  • 1) Chiller plant design, installation, testing, and commissioning
  • 2) Plant efficiency optimization, kW/RT performance, and energy management
  • 3) Chiller Plant Management & Control System, BMS, SCADA integration will be advantage.
  • 4) Hydraulic analysis, pump selection, and system balancing

• Strong project management capability with proven experience in cost control, scheduling, and risk management
• Ability to manage consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment vendors for chiller plant and DCS projects
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to travel or work in upcountry locations as required.
• Result-Oriented, flexible, systematic thinking, and eager to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Requirements added by the job poster

• Bachelor's Degree

• 5+ years of work experience with Chiller Systems

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.