Industrial Machine Mover

GEM Partnership; Shotton Colliery; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

GEM Partnership is seeking experienced Industrial Machine Movers to support safe movement, installation, and relocation of heavy machinery on manufacturing sites in Peterlee and Washington. You will work hands-on with lifting equipment, assist with lift plans and RAMS, and help deliver projects safely and efficiently.

The role requires operating forklifts, cranes, skates, and hydraulic systems, reading technical drawings, and collaborating with clients and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in machinery moving, industrial installations, or heavy engineering environments.
• Competent in the use of lifting equipment (forklifts, cranes, gantries, skates, hydraulic jacks).
• Strong understanding of LOLER, PUWER, and general site safety.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, lift plans, and method statements.

Responsibilities

• Move, install, and relocate industrial machinery on site.
• Operate forklifts, telehandlers, skates, jacks, and gantries.
• Dismantle and reassemble equipment for transport or installation.
• Assist with lift plans and RAMS development.
• Conduct site assessments to determine access and hazards.
• Ensure safety compliance and proper maintenance of lifting gear.
• Coordinate with clients and project teams to track progress.
• Support strip-outs and decommissioning projects when required.

Skills

Machinery moving

Lifting equipment

LOLER/PUWER knowledge

Technical drawings

Driver license

FLT/IPAF/CPCS certs

Job description

Industrial Machine Mover

Role Overview

Our client, who is currently working on manufacturing and engineering sites in Peterlee and Washington, is looking for a number of experienced Industrial Machine Movers to support the safe movement, installation, and relocation of heavy machinery, working hands-on with specialist lifting equipment, assisting with lift plans and RAMS, and delivering projects safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Machinery Moving & Installation
• Move, position, install, and relocate industrial machinery ranging from small production assets to multi‑tonne plant.
• Execute controlled lifts using forklifts, telehandlers, skates, jacks, gantries, and hydraulic systems.
• Dismantle and reassemble equipment as required for transport or installation.
• Site Assessment & Planning
• Conduct on-site assessments to determine access, lifting requirements, and potential hazards.
• Support the creation of RAMS, method statements, and risk assessments.
• Liaise with clients, engineering teams, and project managers to ensure smooth project execution.
• Safety & Compliance
• Work in accordance with all relevant safety legislation and company procedures.
• Ensure correct use, inspection, and maintenance of lifting gear and equipment and maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment.
• Operational Delivery
• Assist with strip-outs, decommissioning, and plant removal projects.
• Operate specialist lifting equipment and machinery confidently and competently and support complex lifts requiring precision, coordination, and teamwork.
• Communication & Teamwork
• Work closely with colleagues, supervisors, and client representatives to provide clear updates on progress, challenges, and safety considerations.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience in machinery moving, industrial installations, or heavy engineering environments.
• Competent in the use of lifting equipment (forklifts, cranes, gantries, skates, hydraulic jacks).
• Strong understanding of LOLER, PUWER, and general site safety.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, lift plans, and method statements.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-risk environments.
• Physically fit with good manual handling awareness.
• Full UK driving licence (HGV desirable but not essential).
• Certifications such as FLT, IPAF, CPCS, slinger/signaller are essential, crane operator advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Safety-driven mindset.
• Practical, hands-on problem solver.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Professional, reliable, and client-focused.
• Calm under pressure, especially during complex or time-critical lifts.
• Flexible with working hours & locations.

Typical Projects

As well as machinery moves within manufacturing plants, the company deal with full factory relocations, strip-outs and decommissioning, specialist lifts for engineering teams and the installation of new production lines or heavy assets.

We are committed to fair, consistent, and inclusive recruitment practices, and all applications are reviewed in line with relevant employment legislation and our equal opportunities principles.