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- Tasks: Lead complex lifting operations and ensure safety compliance at Portsmouth Naval Base.
- Company: Join KBS Maritime, a dynamic joint venture between BAE Systems and KBR.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national defence while working in a unique maritime environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Lifting Appointed Person with strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team at the heart of the Royal Navy.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
Service Area: Service Delivery, Alongside Services
Hours of Work: 37 hours per week, additional shifts and on-call hours to be discussed at interview
Salary: £38,000 to £41,000
KBS Maritime is a joint venture between KBR and BAE Systems, delivering innovative asset and facilities management solutions across the maritime and defence sectors.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Lifting Appointed Person (AP) to join our Alongside Services team at Portsmouth Naval Base. This is a specialist, safety-critical role that combines technical expertise in lifting operations with hands-on port operative responsibilities. You will play a key role in the planning, coordination and delivery of complex and heavy lifting operations, ensuring all activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in full compliance with legislation and standards.
You will report directly to the Managing Appointed Person and act as their deputy when required.
About you
You will lead the planning and delivery of intermediate and complex lifting operations, taking day-to-day responsibility for assessing heavy lift tasks and completing AP referrals with safety as the priority. You’ll produce and review lift plans, ensure RAMS are understood and followed, and brief slingers, crane drivers and stakeholders clearly and confidently.
Working collaboratively with Royal Navy vessels and Civil Engineers, you’ll coordinate DERT forms, resolve ground loading challenges and apply sound judgement in a dynamic operational environment. As a skilled Port Operative, you’ll support wider port activities, raise risks and improvement opportunities, and act as Deputy Managing AP when required — demonstrating proactivity, strong communication, teamwork and leadership, while living the KBS values every day.
You’ll have
- Proven experience as a Lifting Appointed Person, with a recognised Lifting Appointed Person qualification
- Experience developing and delivering intermediate and complex lift plans
- Strong working knowledge of LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and BS7121
- An in-depth understanding of lifting equipment, processes and safe systems of work
- Experience working within Portsmouth Naval Base or similar complex operational environments
- The confidence to communicate professionally and effectively with the Royal Navy and other stakeholders
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset and the ability to manage risk under pressure
- A positive, collaborative approach to teamwork
- A willingness to learn and develop further as a skilled Port Operative
- Experience using LICCON is beneficial but not essential.
- Full UK driving licence
- Eligibility to hold (or currently hold) full security clearance
You’ll get:
- A competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Holiday purchase/sell scheme, following successful completion of probation period
- Early finish on a Friday
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Access to our internal benefits and discounts programme for all colleagues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Group income protection
- Flexible parental benefits (if applicable)
- Access to our Internal employee assistance network
- Continued professional career development
- Kudos reward opportunities (internal achievements scheme)
- Occupational Health & Wellbeing Services
- 50% off entry into the Historic Dockyard
Why join us
At KBS Maritime, we’re not just another company – we’re an exciting and dynamic joint venture between industry leaders BAE Systems and KBR. Our team is dedicated to providing Asset Management, Infrastructure Management, Energy Solutions and Alongside Services at His Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP), the beating heart of the Royal Navy.
With almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships stationed at HMNBP, working with KBS Maritime means being at the forefront of innovation and progress. We operate in a unique and fascinating environment, with a mix of historic dockyards and cutting-edge infrastructure that’s unlike any other.
By delivering state of the art solutions to the Royal Navy, KBS Maritime offers the chance to work on projects that make a real difference to the safety, security, and sustainability of the UK's National Defence and Security. But it’s not just about the work – at KBS Maritime, we believe in the value of our people. We have the ethos of a small business, which means we value and empower our team members to succeed.
Lifting Appointed Person (AP) employer: KBS Maritime Ltd
Contact Detail:
KBS Maritime Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lifting Appointed Person (AP)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the maritime and defence sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet people who can help you land that Lifting Appointed Person role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss LOLER, PUWER, and BS7121 in detail. Show them you know your stuff and can handle complex lifting operations with ease!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to confidently brief slingers and crane drivers, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable with the lingo.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at KBS Maritime.
We think you need these skills to ace Lifting Appointed Person (AP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lifting Appointed Person role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in lifting operations and safety compliance, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Show Off Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your recognised Lifting Appointed Person qualification and any other relevant certifications. We want to see that you’ve got the skills to back up your experience!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your past roles and responsibilities, so we can easily see how you meet our requirements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KBS Maritime Ltd
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998, and BS7121. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework surrounding lifting operations, which is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Your Lift Plans
Before the interview, think about some complex lift plans you've developed in the past. Be ready to explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you ensured safety and compliance. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with the Royal Navy and other stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing examples of how you've effectively briefed teams or resolved conflicts in high-pressure situations.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
KBS Maritime values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss your experiences leading teams or working as part of a team. Highlight any instances where you took initiative or helped improve processes, showcasing your proactive mindset.
