Lifting Appointed Person (AP) KBS Maritime KBS Maritime in Portsmouth

KBS Maritime is a joint venture between KBR and BAE Systems, delivering innovative asset and facilities management solutions across the maritime and defence sectors. We combine the strength of two major organisations with the agility and collaborative culture of a small business – where people are valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

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 (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, giving you the opportunity to reach the heights of success within your new position.
• 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.