Lifting Operations Specialist

Gulf Contracting & Landscaping (GCL); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Contracting & Landscaping (GCL) is seeking a Lifting Operations Specialist to plan, coordinate and control all lifting activities on our Abu Dhabi construction sites. You will develop safe lift plans, select appropriate equipment and ensure competency, inspections and permits are in place.

The role requires 5–8 years of hands-on lifting operations experience, with a Diploma or Bachelor in Mechanical/Civil Engineering.

Qualifications

• Experience preparing lift plans with method statements and checklists.
• Knowledge of lifting regulations, standards and best practices.
• Ability to interpret drawings, weight data and structural constraints.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and control all lifting activities on site.
• Prepare, review and approve lift plans and load calculations.
• Select cranes, accessories, and rigging gear; ensure correct configurations.
• Verify load integrity and weight calculations prior to lifting.
• Ensure equipment is inspected, certified and maintained; confirm test certificates.
• Obtain and comply with permits and work permits for lifts.
• Ensure competent personnel are on site and briefed.
• Maintain records of lifting activities, inspections and incidents.
• Provide guidance on safety and lead post-lift reviews.

Skills

Lift planning

Load calculations

Regulatory compliance

Engineering drawings interpretation

Leadership under pressure

Education

Diploma/Bachelor's in Mechanical/Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Lift planning software

Job description

GCL is looking to hire a Lifting Operations Specialist to plan, coordinate and control all lifting activities on site by developing safe, compliant lift plans, selecting appropriate lifting equipment and accessories, and ensuring competent personnel and inspections are in place. The role ensures lifts are executed safely, efficiently and in accordance with project requirements, regulatory standards and company HSE procedures.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments and job-specific lift hazard analyses for all lifting operations.
• Prepare, review and approve detailed lift plans (including method statements, rigging details, load calculations and exclusion zones).
• Select cranes, lifting accessories, spreader beams and rigging gear appropriate to the lift and ensure correct sling/rigging configuration.
• Verify load integrity, stability and weight calculations prior to lifting.
• Ensure lifting equipment is inspected, certified and maintained; confirm all required test certificates and documents are available.
• Ensure all statutory permits and work permits for lifts are obtained and complied with.
• Confirm that personnel (Appointed Person, crane operators, riggers, slingers/banksmen, supervisors) are competent, certified and briefed.
• Ensure a competent supervisor or Appointed Person is present for delegated duties and that signallers/banksmen are clearly identifiable.
• Identify and manage restricted areas and exclusion zones; ensure adequate lighting for night lifts.
• Monitor lifts in real time, enforcing adherence to the lift plan and suspending operations if conditions (e.g., wind) change or deviations occur.
• Manage language, competence, and experience issues among crew to maintain safety and performance standards.
• Maintain accurate records of lifting activities, inspections, certificates, and incident reports.
• Provide guidance and lead emergency response related to lifting incidents; conduct post-lift reviews and lessons-learned.
• Comply with the HSE Management System, Project HSE Plans, and procedures.
• Participate in HSE trainings, meetings, inspections, and safety initiatives.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses promptly.
• Support the achievement of project/department HSE KPIs through safe work practices.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION:

• Minimum Qualification:Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Civil Engineering, Construction, or equivalent technical qualification. Certifications: Appointed Person accreditation or equivalent; Slinger/Signaller (Banksman) certification; Crane Operator license/certification; rigging/slinging competency certificates. LEEA certification or similar is an advantage.
• Minimum Experience: 5–8 years of hands-on experience in lifting operations, rigging, or crane supervision on construction or industrial sites (GCC experience preferred).

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Job Specific: Proven ability to prepare lift plans, perform load calculations and select appropriate lifting gear. Strong knowledge of lifting regulations, standards and best practices (including local statutory requirements). Competence in interpreting engineering drawings, weight/mass data and structural constraints. Experience with crane types, rigging hardware, slinging techniques and load integrity verification. Proficient in producing method statements, permit-to-work documentation and lift checklists.
• Generic Skills: Excellent communication and briefing skills; able to direct multi-lingual site crews. Strong observational skills and decisive leadership under pressure. Attention to detail, organization and record-keeping. Good problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities. Proficient in MS Office; familiarity with lift planning software an advantage.