South-Town Refrigeration & Mechanical is the Midwest's premier commercial refrigeration and mechanical service contractor. Family-owned and operated since 1954, we provide customers in the Twin Cities and beyond with world-class service and equipment. Everything we do is customized for your industry, your location, and your exact needs.
A family-run business with family values, South-Town prides itself on being one of the best places to work in the Midwest. That means our employees stay - some have been with us since the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it's not unusual for staff to refer family members and friends to the team.
Our Core Values
Perseverance / Integrity / Family / Stability / Competency
The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across all areas of the mechanical contracting business, with a strong focus on process optimization, project performance, and standardization. This role also serves as a Project Manager for the CO2 Subject Matter Expert (SME) program for national grocery store startup processes, ensuring successful, efficient, and repeatable store openings through commissioning and turnover.
This position will lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction while supporting field operations, service teams, and project management staff.
Role and Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Develop, implement, and maintain continuous improvement strategies that align with company goals.
- Identify inefficiencies in workflows, processes, and systems, and lead initiatives to enhance performance, reduce waste, and maximize profitability.
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to streamline operations and optimize project execution.
- Establish performance metrics, monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and generate reports to evaluate process effectiveness.
- Facilitate root cause analyses and implement corrective actions to resolve recurring operational issues.
- Standardize best practices and enhance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across departments.
- Drive cross-functional improvement initiatives while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Project Management Responsibilities
- Manage the Subject Matter Expert (SME) program for the national grocery division.
- Create and oversee project schedules, budgets, scopes of work, and resource plans to ensure successful results.
- Collaborate with clients, internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors to drive successful project execution.
- Monitor project progress, costs, quality, and timelines, and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Participate in project risk assessments and help develop mitigation plans.
- Support project teams by identifying process improvements and recommending efficiency enhancements.
- Develop standardized startup procedures and checklists tailored to grocery store environments.
- Coordinate startup activities among contractors, startup technicians, customers, and inspectors.
- Ensure all systems are fully commissioned, tested, and operating in accordance with design specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Troubleshoot and resolve startup-related issues promptly to minimize delays.
- Train internal teams on grocery store startup processes, workflows, and best practices.
- Provide guidance on sequencing, documentation, and turnover procedures for new store openings.
Training & Process Development
- Design and deliver training programs for technicians, project managers, and operations staff on optimized processes.
- Mentor team members on best practices and strategies for performance improvement.
- Maintain and update process documentation as procedures evolve.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Collaborate with Operations, Safety, and Executive teams to align and drive improvement initiatives.
- Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Support strategic planning and initiatives to enhance operational scalability.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Over 10 years of experience in mechanical contracting, HVAC, or refrigeration environments.
- Proven track record in continuous improvement or operational excellence roles.
- Strong project management experience in commercial mechanical construction.
- Expertise in grocery store startup processes and system commissioning.
- Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
- This role requires flexibility, including working in both office and field settings.
- The position may also require extended hours during critical project phases or store openings.
Preferred Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
- PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience with grocery chain rollouts or multi-store programs.
- Proficiency with construction management software and ERP systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing office work, attending meetings, or at customer sites.
- Required to climb ladders, stairs, and navigate work sites safely.
- Ability to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods during site inspections.
- Comfortable with exposure to various customer environments, including noise, dust, and varying weather conditions.
- Ability to travel between multiple sites, including active construction environments, as required.
- Must lift and carry materials or tools up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Frequent use of computers, phone, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, on the phone, and in virtual meetings.
- Must have the capacity to hear and communicate clearly in both office and noisy environments.
- Expected to travel between sites as needed.
Benefits
- Annual Profit Sharing: Eligible employees receive 5% - 10% profit sharing each year based on company performance.
- Health Insurance: Excellent, high-quality medical coverage with multiple plan options to fit your needs.
- Free Dental Insurance: SCR covers 100% of dental premiums for employees and their families.
- Vision Insurance: Affordable vision coverage for employees and families.
- Company-Paid Life Insurance: SCR provides life insurance coverage for employees and all their dependents.
- Voluntary Benefits: A wide range of optional benefits including life insurance, disability coverage, accident and critical illness plans, identity protection, and more so you can tailor your coverage to your needs.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) Retirement Savings.
- Paid Time Off & Holidays: Competitive PTO allowance plus paid holidays.
EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
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Southtown Refrigeration
$140,000 - $170,000 Annually
dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), profit sharing
Dec 11, 2025