At a Glance
- Tasks: Safely move equipment and materials for submarine and warship programmes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health support, and volunteering days.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience in lifting operations and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31229 - 44724 £ per year.
At Babcock we're working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a Lifting Operative at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role
As a Lifting Operative, you'll play a vital role in supporting critical operations within our submarine and warship programmes. Working in a highly skilled team, you'll be responsible for safely moving equipment and materials that keep major defence projects progressing. Day-to-day, you'll have an opportunity to build a long-term career in defence, engineering, and naval operations. You'll gain specialist skills, work in a unique dockyard environment, and contribute directly to projects that support national security.
- Carrying out slinging and lifting operations safely and efficiently
- Supporting fleeting operations on submarines and warships
- Producing and following lift plans and operational instructions
- Setting up and maintaining safe exclusion zones during lifting activities
- Inspecting lifting equipment and reporting or isolating non-compliant items
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard. There is an opportunity for Optimised Working Patterns (OWP) within this role. OWP is a temporary variation to your standard terms and condition that commits you to support 7-day working arrangements. For full details of the patterns, pay and durations, this can be found in the OWP 1 and OWP 2 agreements (available from hiring manager). Primarily, it involves 4-week shift cycles consisting of either day/back shift or day/night shift. An example of the remuneration for these shifts is as follows: Gross salary: £31,229 Gross OTE for core Dayshift/Backshift Pattern: £44,724
Essential experience of the Lifting Operative
- Experience in lifting operations or similar hands‑on industrial roles
- Ability to follow procedures and work safely in a structured environment
- Strong communication skills, including signalling to crane operators
- Willingness to learn, develop, and undertake further training
- Experience in marine, construction, or heavy engineering environments is desirable
Qualifications for the Lifting Operative
- CPCS Blue A40 Slinger Signaller, NPORS 402 Slinger Signaller, or NVQ Level 2 in Lifting and Moving Loads (or equivalent)
- Additional rigging or lifting certifications are advantageous but not essential
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
- Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
We're Babcock - a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you'll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we're building a future that lasts – not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work‑life balance. We call that lifetime engineering. Join us and see how far we can go, together.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header Reasonable adjustments requirement. We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 22/06/2026
Lifting Operative - Slinger employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values safety and teamwork at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site. With competitive compensation, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in defence and engineering, employees can build meaningful careers while contributing to national security. Our commitment to inclusivity and flexible working arrangements ensures that every team member can thrive in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lifting Operative - Slinger
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Lifting Operative - Slinger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Babcock International's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Babcock International. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Babcock International.
