Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting
Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting

Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
James Fisher and Sons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead safe and efficient operations for mechanical and lifting activities on site.
  • Company: Join James Fisher Renewables, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, career growth, and a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in maintenance, lifting operations, and strong teamwork skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for offshore and onshore experiences.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

James Fisher Renewables is expanding across its operations as we support our customers’ transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. We are looking for an Operations and Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting to lead the safe, efficient planning and delivery of O&M programmes at a dedicated site, including stakeholder reporting, fault response, and onshore/offshore remedial work on OFTO assets.

As the primary on site focal point, you will coordinate daily activities, prepare work, organise logistics, and support contractor interfaces. Working closely with the SAP and Project Manager, you’ll ensure all asset management and maintenance activities are executed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

In addition to core multi skilled maintenance, this role includes responsibility for routine lifting operations, acting as the lifting focal point and, where authorised, the Appointed Person for routine lifts. This role will be dedicated to a site with occasional travel to our other sites within the UK. The role will operate in a 24/7 service environment, with travel to offshore and onshore sites.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Lead site operations with authority to stop work for safety.
  • Ensure timely RAMS creation/review with the Site SAP and promote a strong safety culture.
  • Maintain full site readiness (inductions, authorisations, toolbox talks, equipment certification).
  • Coordinate, induct and manage subcontractors for planned/reactive work.
  • Perform inspections, testing and routine maintenance; complete basic fault finding and mechanical tasks within competence.
  • Ownership of client monthly reporting for dedicated site.
  • Complete maintenance reports and update site asset management systems.
  • Document and close out all work to a high standard with evidence.
  • Act as the site focal point; maintain short‑term plans and readiness checklists.
  • Coordinate O&M activities and oversee contractor mobilisation and compliance.
  • Prepare/request RAMS and permits; ensure materials and calibrated tools are staged.
  • Manage contractor briefings, checks and escorts (non‑SAP duties).
  • Support outage requests to the Transmission Network Operator and liaise with HV Control and marine/vessel teams.
  • Coordinate lifting activities: permits, access, exclusion zones, communications and contractor oversight.
  • Manage lifting equipment inspections, records, certification and defect control.
  • Act as site focal point for short‑term planning (permits, people, tools, access, spares, vessel/SOV slots).
  • Raise/close work orders, log defects/spares, update asset history and contribute to reporting.
  • Participate in standby rota, respond to faults, stabilise plant and hand over to SAP/Engineers.
  • Capture lessons learned and recommend improvements to maintenance methods and logistics.

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven HV/LV maintenance experience: switchgear, transformers, cable systems.
  • Competent in IR testing, secondary injection, partial discharge testing, and oil sampling.
  • Basic electrical fault finding.
  • Strong understanding of electrical safety rules.
  • Mechanical competence in torque checks, bolt stretch, hydraulics maintenance, and minor crane/lifting equipment repairs.
  • Strong LOLER/PUWER knowledge for lifting operations and accessories.
  • Able to conduct pre‑use checks and identify out‑of‑service conditions.
  • Competent in lift planning and risk assessments.
  • Familiar with offshore lifting equipment (deck cranes, davits, hoists etc).
  • Able to respond to faults/emergencies, conduct initial diagnosis, perform safe isolation, and carry out basic remedial actions.
  • Working knowledge of Permit to Work systems and RAMS.
  • Basic planning, scheduling, and logistics coordination skills.
  • Confident using CMMS and standard business tools (MS Office, SharePoint).
  • Willing and able to work across electrical and mechanical scopes.
  • Demonstrated adaptability, cross‑training, and multi‑discipline teamwork.
  • O&M experience on HV transmission assets (offshore renewables preferred).
  • Experience in offshore lifting activities.
  • Experience in site management, contractor coordination, and operational leadership.
  • Time‑served apprenticeship or equivalent in electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical discipline.
  • Experience in transmission, renewables, industrial, marine, or similar hazardous environments.
  • Competent in both electrical and mechanical maintenance.
  • Full UK driving licence.
  • Willingness to work offshore/onshore, rotational work, and confined spaces.
  • Ability to achieve Competent Person status (Electrical & Mechanical Safety Rules).

Why join us?

  • Competitive benefits tailored to the division.
  • Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.
  • A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.
  • Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

About us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.

Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting employer: James Fisher and Sons

James Fisher Renewables is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety and innovation while supporting the transition to a sustainable future. Employees benefit from competitive remuneration, tailored career growth opportunities, and a culture that values inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in the renewable energy sector.
James Fisher and Sons

Contact Detail:

James Fisher and Sons Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your experience in operations and maintenance.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific projects or tasks you've managed, especially those related to mechanical and lifting operations. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at James Fisher Renewables.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting

HV/LV Maintenance Experience
Mechanical Competence
Electrical Fault Finding
Lifting Operations Knowledge
Risk Assessment Skills
Permit to Work Systems Knowledge
CMMS Proficiency
Logistics Coordination
Contractor Coordination
Safety Culture Promotion
Adaptability
Multi-Discipline Teamwork
Basic Planning and Scheduling
Experience in Offshore Lifting Activities
Time-Served Apprenticeship in Electrical/Mechanical Discipline

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations & Maintenance Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical and lifting operations, and don’t forget to mention any specific projects or achievements that align with what we’re looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to our mission of supporting a cleaner, sustainable future. Keep it concise but impactful!

Showcase Your Safety Mindset: Safety is key in our industry, so make sure to emphasise your commitment to safety protocols and practices in your application. Mention any relevant certifications or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead safe operations.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and lifting knowledge. Familiarise yourself with HV/LV maintenance, LOLER/PUWER regulations, and the specific equipment mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your experience with switchgear, transformers, and offshore lifting equipment will show that you're the right fit for the role.

✨Safety First

Since safety is a top priority in this role, be prepared to discuss how you've handled safety protocols in past positions. Think of examples where you’ve had to stop work for safety reasons or how you’ve promoted a strong safety culture among your team. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

✨Show Your Coordination Skills

This position requires excellent coordination with contractors and stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed logistics, planned maintenance activities, or coordinated teams in previous roles. Highlighting your organisational skills will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the demands of the job.

✨Ask Smart Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's operations and future projects. Inquire about their approach to sustainability or how they manage offshore operations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.

Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting
James Fisher and Sons

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>