Lifting Operation - Appointed Person

EMSTEEL Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

EMSTEEL Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Lifting Operation - Appointed Person to lead safe lifting across the plant in line with OSHAD-SF and UAE regulations. You will serve as the technical authority for crane operations, ensuring plans, competency, certification, and safety controls are implemented.

This role requires a mechanical engineering background, LE EA-UK qualifications, and extensive lifting/ crane experience in heavy industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• LEEA-UK qualifications including Entry Exam and relevant diplomas (LEG, RCS, OTC).
• Certified Slinger/Signaller from an approved provider.
• Minimum 10 years' crane operations or lifting supervision experience.
• Minimum 5 years working with lifting equipment and operations.
• Experience in heavy industrial environments (steel, oil & gas, ports).
• Strong knowledge of OSHAD-SF and UAE safety codes.
• Expertise in lifting operations, crane safety, rigging and equipment.
• Knowledge of incident investigation and risk assessment methods.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training programs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and approve lifting plans, critical lift plans, and safe systems of work.
• Review and authorize contractor lifting plans for safety and ops compliance.
• Verify competency of personnel involved in lifting operations.
• Ensure all lifting equipment and tackles are certified, inspected, and safe.
• Monitor third-party inspections and maintain equipment certification records.
• Provide technical guidance on lifting operations and safety compliance.
• Support investigations of lifting incidents, near misses, and hazards.
• Develop, review, and update lifting procedures and standards.
• Conduct site audits and operational assessments to promote safe lifting.
• Deliver coaching on lifting safety for supervisors and staff.
• Act as focal point for crane and lifting safety matters during audits.
• Maintain up-to-date crane and lifting equipment records.

Skills

Crane safety

Lifting operations

Stakeholder management

Training delivery

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

LEEA-UK qualifications (Entry Exam, LEG, RCS, OTC)

Certified Slinger/Signaller

Job description

Position: Lifting Operation - Appointed Person

Job Purpose

The Lifting Operation - Appointed Person is responsible for planning, coordinating, and ensuring the safe execution of all lifting activities across the plant in compliance with OSHAD-SF requirements, UAE Health & Safety regulations, and company standards. The role serves as the technical authority for crane and lifting operations, ensuring lifting plans, competency requirements, equipment certification, and safety controls are effectively implemented.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and approve lifting plans, critical lift plans, and safe systems of work for all lifting activities.
• Review and authorize contractor lifting plans, ensuring compliance with safety and operational requirements.
• Verify the competency of personnel involved in lifting operations, including crane operators, riggers, and slingers.
• Ensure all lifting equipment, accessories, and lifting tackles are certified, inspected, tested, and safe for use.
• Monitor third-party inspections and maintain records of lifting equipment certifications.
• Provide technical guidance on lifting operations and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, codes of practice, and company procedures.
• Support investigations of lifting-related incidents, accidents, near misses, and hazard observations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop, review, and update lifting procedures, work instructions, and standards.
• Conduct site audits, inspections, and operational assessments to promote safe lifting practices.
• Deliver coaching and awareness programs for supervisors and operational personnel on lifting safety requirements.
• Act as the focal point for all crane and lifting safety matters and represent the company during audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Maintain an up-to-date register of cranes, lifting equipment, and lifting-related records across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• LEEA-UK qualifications, including Entry Exam and relevant diplomas (LEG, RCS, and OTC).
• Certified Slinger/Signaller from an approved third-party training provider.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in crane operations, lifting activities, or related supervisory/management roles.
• Minimum 5 years' experience working directly with lifting equipment and lifting operations.
• Experience in heavy industrial environments, preferably steel manufacturing, oil & gas, ports, or similar industries.
• Strong knowledge of OSHAD-SF and UAE Health & Safety Codes of Practice.
• Expertise in lifting operations, crane safety, rigging, and lifting equipment.
• Knowledge of incident investigation and risk assessment methodologies.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training programs.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Industry Background

• Steel Manufacturing (Highly Preferred)
• Oil & Gas
• Ports and Heavy Industrial Operations

This role is critical in ensuring the safe planning, control, and continuous improvement of lifting operations while maintaining full compliance with regulatory and company safety requirements.