Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Mechanical / Lifting in Preston

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! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. 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.