Asset Reliability Manager Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

Reports to: Refrigeration Service Supervisor

Houchens Food Group (HFG), established in 1917, is 100% employee owned with over 12,000 employees operating in 15 states. HFG is seeking to hire a skilled Refrigeration Service Technician to support our network of supermarkets and convenience stores. HFG is committed to operational excellence, innovation, and supporting the communities we serve. This role plays an important part in maintaining product integrity, reducing downtime, and supporting overall system performance.

Join a stable, well-established company with a culture that values your expertise and recognizes the importance of skilled technicians!

Overview

The Refrigeration Service Technician is a field-based role responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of commercial refrigeration systems across assigned locations. This position supports system reliability and store operations through timely service, preventative maintenance, and effective problem solving.

This role works independently in the field while collaborating with supervisors, peers, and store teams and participates in on-call rotations and direct store support.

Core Responsibilities

1. Troubleshooting & Repair

• Diagnose and repair refrigeration, electrical, and control system issues
• Perform routine and non-routine service calls in a timely manner
• Escalate complex issues to senior technicians or supervisors when needed
• Support rack systems, case controls, and related components

1. Refrigeration System Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on commercial refrigeration systems
• Ensure proper system operation, temperature control, and product integrity
• Identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions
• Respond to emergency service calls and system failures

1. Field Operations

• Complete service work across assigned locations with minimal supervision
• Participate in on-call rotations and after-hours support
• Maintain clear communication with store personnel and internal teams
• Follow schedules and prioritize work based on operational needs

1. Work Order, Asset & Inventory Management

• Accurately document work orders, labor, and refrigerant usage
• Utilize company systems for service tracking and compliance
• Maintain truck stock and manage parts usage effectively
• Support identification of recurring equipment issues

1. Team Support

• Collaborate with other technicians to complete work efficiently
• Support training efforts and share knowledge when appropriate
• Follow established best practices and procedures

1. Project Support

• Assist with equipment installations, retrofits, and system upgrades
• Support startup and basic commissioning activities
• Work with vendors and internal teams as needed

1. Safety & Compliance

• Follow EPA, OSHA, and company safety standards
• Maintain proper refrigerant handling and documentation practices
• Follow all safety procedures and promote a safety-first culture

Why Work at Houchens Food Group

• Employee-Owned (ESOP) – Share in the success of the company
• Stable & Growing Organization – Long-term investment in facilities and people
• Innovation-Driven – Focus on energy efficiency and advanced refrigeration systems
• Strong Culture guided by our 5 Rules:
• Do Your Job
• Be Kind
• No Surprises
• No Drama
• Protect The Brand
• Community Impact – Supporting the communities we serve

Qualifications

Competency Statement(s)

• Technical Aptitude – Solid understanding of refrigeration systems and components
• Problem Solving – Ability to diagnose and resolve common system issues
• Accountability – Takes ownership of assigned work
• Communication – Communicates effectively with team members and store personnel
• Reliability – Dependable and consistent in performance
• Teamwork – Works well with others and contributes to team success

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 2–5+ years of commercial refrigeration experience preferred
• EPA Section 608 Certification (Type II or Universal) required
• Valid driver’s license required

Skills & Abilities

• Troubleshooting (mechanical, electrical, basic controls)
• Experience with commercial refrigeration equipment and systems
• Ability to work independently in a field environment
• Familiarity with work order and asset management systems
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Basic computer proficiency for reporting and documentation

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, standing, and climbing
• Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
• Work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and refrigerated environments

Houchens Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.   

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.