Role Summary
The Crane Manager / Appointed Person (AP) is responsible for the planning, coordination and safe execution of all lifting operations. The role ensures legal compliance, adherence to LEEA standards and relevant codes of practice, technical integrity of lift plans and effective utilisation of the crane fleet and lifting accessories.
The Crane Manager / AP is also responsible for supporting business growth by identifying lifting opportunities and providing technical input to bids and client proposals.
This role is available to be based in ether Inverness and Wick. We would love to hear from candidates from either location. Relocation package offer available on request.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Plan, coordinate and authorise all lifting operations, ensuring safe, efficient use of cranes and lifting accessories across grid, hydro and infrastructure projects.
* Develop and approve lift plans and RAMS, including crane selection, critical/complex lifts, ground bearing checks and integration with project programmes.
Health, safety and compliance
* Ensure all lifting activities and equipment comply with LOLER, PUWER, BS 7121, LEEA guidance and internal procedures.
* Lead risk assessment, auditing and investigation activities, embedding lessons learned and promoting a positive lifting safety culture.
Business development
* Identify and develop new lifting opportunities in Grid, Hydro and Infrastructure projects, working with commercial and operations teams.
* Provide technical input to bids and tenders, including crane solutions, methodologies, durations, risks and supporting case-study material.
People leadership
* Lead and mentor Crane Supervisors, operators and lifting teams, setting expectations and supporting competency and training needs.
* Deliver and chair briefings (toolbox talks, pre-lift meetings), providing clear technical guidance and escalation support on lifting matters.
Reporting and administration
* Maintain accurate records of lift plans, risk assessments, inspections, defects, certifications and lifting equipment registers.
* Report on crane utilisation, performance, incidents and compliance, and provide technical input to planning, budgeting and forecasting.
Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience in crane operations and lifting management with a focus on hiabs, compact cranes and remote area lifting as well as demonstratable experience in mobile cranes and project lifting..
* Recognised Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) qualification (e.g. CPCS A61 or equivalent).
* Strong knowledge of LOLER, PUWER, BS 7121, LEEA guidance and relevant national regulations/industry standards.
* Competent understanding of crane types (hiabs, compact cranes, mobile, crawler), load charts, rigging and ground bearing pressure.
* Experience with lift planning software and/or 3D modelling tools is desirable.
* Demonstrable leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.