SIMBISA BRANDS ZIMBABWE

JOB TITLE: Refrigeration Technician
Permanent Position

REPORTING TO: Maintenance Manager

LOCATION: Harare – with travel to Pizza Inn outlets

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a skilled Refrigeration Technician to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment across stores and offices. The successful candidate will inspect systems, troubleshoot electrical and mechanical faults, handle refrigerants safely, perform preventive maintenance, complete service documentation, and provide professional service to Pizza Inn stores and offices. The candidate must have strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely and independently.

Job Summary

Employer: simbisa
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Category: Engineering
Closing Date: 2026-10-09

Key Responsibilities

Install refrigeration systems, components, pipework, controls, and electrical connections.
Inspect equipment to identify mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration faults.
Diagnose problems involving compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, motors, thermostats, and control systems.
Repair or replace damaged and defective components.
Test systems for correct operation, refrigerant leaks, pressure, temperature, and electrical safety.
Recover, evacuate, recharge, and handle refrigerants according to environmental and safety regulations.
Perform preventive maintenance, including cleaning coils, checking belts, testing controls, and inspecting refrigerant levels.
Read and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, manuals, and equipment specifications.
Respond to service calls and complete repairs within required timeframes.
Explain equipment faults, repair options, and maintenance requirements to stakeholders.
Complete service reports, work orders, inspection records, and parts documentation.
Monitor and maintain cold-chain temperatures to protect food safety and minimize stock losses.
Maintain tools, test equipment, and spare-parts stock; report parts usage.
Follow workplace health, safety, and environmental procedures.

Requirements

Completed apprenticeship or trade-tested Journeyman Class 1 / Class 2 in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.
Minimum of 3 years’ post-qualification experience maintaining commercial refrigeration equipment such as cold rooms, walk-in chillers and freezers, under-counter and display fridges, ice machines and split-unit air conditioners, preferably in a food service or retail environment.
Working knowledge of single- and three-phase electrical systems and refrigeration control circuits.
A recognized refrigerant-handling certificate will be an added advantage.
A valid Class 4 driver’s license.
Willingness to travel between sites and to be on standby for after-hours and weekend call-outs.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform under pressure.
High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism aligned to Simbisa Brands’ values.

How to Apply

Apply by email: pizzainhr@simbisa.co.zw

About the Company

Simbisa Brands is a leading quick-service restaurant operator headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe. The company manages an extensive portfolio of well-known food brands across the country, including Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, Bakers Inn, Creamy Inn, and Nando's, with hundreds of outlets serving Zimbabwean consumers daily. Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, Simbisa has built significant operational scale within Zimbabwe's food service sector, employing thousands of local workers and maintaining a vertically integrated supply chain that includes in-country manufacturing capabilities. The company continues to expand its footprint across Zimbabwe's urban and peri-urban centers, adapting its menu offerings and service models to local market conditions and consumer preferences.

Feeding Africa, one meal at a time.

View all jobs at this company →

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Refrigeration Technician in Zimbabwe?

Most employers require a National Certificate or Diploma in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from institutions like Harare Polytechnic or Bulawayo Polytechnic. A valid driver's license and EPA certification for handling refrigerants are often preferred. Apprenticeship experience or trade testing through the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) strengthens your application.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Refrigeration Technician at a company like Simbisa?

You will install, maintain, and repair commercial refrigeration systems in restaurants and retail outlets. Daily tasks include troubleshooting electrical and mechanical faults, performing preventive maintenance, and ensuring compliance with food safety temperature standards. Emergency call-outs for breakdowns are common in this fast-paced hospitality environment.

How is the work culture and what expectations should I have as a technician in Zimbabwe?

Punctuality and reliability are highly valued, as equipment downtime directly affects business operations. You will likely work shifts including weekends and public holidays given Simbisa's seven-day trading operations. Respect for hierarchy and clear communication with supervisors are important in Zimbabwean workplace culture.

What career progression opportunities exist for Refrigeration Technicians in Zimbabwe?

With experience, you can advance to Senior Technician, Maintenance Supervisor, or Facilities Manager roles. Specializing in industrial refrigeration or obtaining additional electrical certifications opens doors to broader engineering positions. Some technicians eventually establish their own contracting businesses serving the growing commercial sector.

What benefits are typically offered for full-time Refrigeration Technician positions in Zimbabwe?

Standard packages usually include annual leave days as prescribed by the Labour Act, and increasingly medical aid schemes though coverage varies significantly by employer. Pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes are common for permanent staff. Some companies provide transport allowances or staff meals given the nature of shift work.

How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers look for in candidates?

Submit a detailed CV highlighting hands-on experience and specific equipment brands you have worked with, accompanied by certified copies of qualifications. Employers prioritize practical problem-solving skills, honesty about your capabilities, and willingness to learn. Prepare for technical assessments and reference checks from previous supervisors or apprenticeship mentors.