Lead Refrigeration Engineer – Luxury Wine Cellars & Climate Control Systems
Location: Rayleigh, Essex (UK-wide travel and occasional international projects)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Benefits: Company pension, travel expenses and accommodation fully covered for projects away from home
Requirements: F-Gas Category 1 Certification, Full UK Driving Licence, minimum 5 years’ refrigeration experience
About Sorrells Custom Wine Rooms
For over 20 years, Sorrells has been designing and building some of the world’s finest bespoke wine cellars, wine rooms, and luxury wine storage environments.
Unlike traditional refrigeration companies, we don’t install standard systems. Every project is unique. Our clients include luxury homeowners, private collectors, architects, interior designers, developers, hotels, restaurants, and prestigious commercial venues across the UK and internationally.
Everything we create is bespoke. Our joinery, metalwork, lighting, climate control systems, and refrigeration solutions are designed and manufactured in-house to deliver exceptional results.
Due to continued growth and increasing demand for our specialist cellar cooling systems, we are looking for an experienced Refrigeration Engineer to join our team and help drive the next stage of our expansion.
The Opportunity
This is not a standard refrigeration role.
We are looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, thrives on challenges, and takes pride in delivering exceptional work.
Our projects often involve unique technical requirements, complex installations, luxury environments, and situations where standard industry solutions simply don’t apply.
You’ll be responsible for installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improving our refrigeration systems while helping to shape the future of the refrigeration division.
This is a hands-on role for someone who wants responsibility, variety, and the opportunity to work on some of the most prestigious wine storage projects in the industry.
Key ResponsibilitiesInstallation & Commissioning
Install and commission bespoke refrigeration and climate control systems for luxury wine rooms and wine cellars. Work with split systems, ducted systems, water-cooled condensers, and specialist cellar cooling equipment. Ensure all systems are commissioned correctly and achieve the required temperature and humidity conditions. Maintain the highest standards of workmanship and presentation on every project.
Problem Solving & Technical Leadership
Diagnose and resolve technical issues quickly and effectively. Act as the lead refrigeration specialist on-site. Identify practical solutions when challenges arise during installations. Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and subcontractors. Take ownership of projects and ensure problems are solved rather than passed on.
Site Planning & Preparation
Assess site readiness before installation begins. Ensure all equipment, materials, tools, and project requirements are in place. Coordinate with project managers, electricians, builders, and contractors. Help prevent delays through thorough planning and preparation.
Quality Control & Standards
Follow and help develop installation procedures and quality control systems. Ensure projects are completed to the highest standards. Maintain detailed commissioning records and documentation. Take responsibility for delivering a professional finish on every project.
Continuous Improvement
Contribute ideas to improve installation methods, processes, and efficiency. Assist in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Help train and mentor junior engineers as the team grows. Recommend new tools, equipment, and techniques that improve quality and productivity.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for an engineer who takes pride in doing things properly.
Someone who enjoys challenges, finds solutions, and is willing to put in the effort required to deliver outstanding results.
Essential Requirements
F-Gas Category 1 Certification. Minimum 5 years’ experience installing and servicing refrigeration systems. Full UK Driving Licence. Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles and fault finding. Experience with split and ducted refrigeration systems. Ability to read technical drawings and installation specifications. Excellent communication and customer-facing skills. Willingness to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
Desirable Experience
Wine cellar cooling systems. Water-cooled condensers. Remote monitoring and control systems. Commercial refrigeration. HVAC systems. Previous experience leading teams or managing projects.
The Type of Person We’re Looking For
We want people who enjoy challenges and take ownership.
You’ll fit in well at Sorrells if you:
Have a strong work ethic and enjoy being productive. Take pride in solving problems rather than making excuses. Stay calm under pressure. Are organised and proactive. Enjoy working in different locations and environments. Have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Are prepared to go the extra mile when projects require it. Care about quality and attention to detail. Enjoy being part of a team that delivers exceptional work.
This role will suit someone who wants more than a routine refrigeration job and enjoys the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and delivering outstanding results.
Travel & Flexibility
Our projects are located throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
The successful candidate must be comfortable travelling, staying away from home when required, and adapting to varying project schedules.
Some projects may require early starts, late finishes, or extended working days to meet installation deadlines and client expectations.
In return, all travel expenses and accommodation are fully covered, and you’ll have the opportunity to work on some of the most exciting and prestigious projects in the industry.
What We OfferUnique Projects
Work on luxury wine cellars and climate-controlled spaces that are unlike anything found in mainstream refrigeration.
Career Growth
Play a key role in a growing business with genuine opportunities for progression and leadership.
Autonomy & Responsibility
Have the freedom to make decisions, improve systems, and influence how the refrigeration division develops.
Supportive Team Environment
Join a skilled team of designers, craftsmen, project managers, and installers who are passionate about delivering world-class work.
Stability & Reputation
Become part of a business with a 75-year heritage and an international reputation for excellence.
Competitive Package
Competitive salary based on experience Company pension Travel expenses paid Accommodation provided when working away Ongoing training and development opportunities
Apply Now
If you’re an experienced refrigeration engineer looking for a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the opportunity to work on truly exceptional projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV together with a brief introduction outlining your experience and why you believe you’d be a great fit for Sorrells Custom Wine Rooms.
Join us and help create some of the world’s finest wine storage environments.
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
Application Question:
Are you located within one hour of Rayleigh, Essex?
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Company pension On-site parking
Application question(s): Are you located within an hour of Rayleigh?
Experience: Refrigeration Engineer : 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person…