Transport Production Lead

Description:

Our client is a leading international steel construction business, specialising in the fabrication and delivery of large-scale, complex structures for the global energy sector.
Operating from an impressive 300,000m² manufacturing facility on the banks of the River Tyne, the business delivers major engineering projects within a fast-paced, technically demanding environment.
 
The Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Transport Production Lead who would have accountability and responsibility in relation to the planning, execution and co-ordination of rigging, lifting & transport activities, including with SPMTs onsite for project and yard requirements.
This is a role that comes with a significant responsibility and is also a people leader to coach, manage & develop the transport team to support with all activities.
 
The Role
 
Team leadership and production planning

Lead, supervise and develop the Transport team, including riggers, banksmen, SPMT operators and other lifting and transport personnel.
Plan and coordinate daily and weekly activities, allocating labour, equipment and resources to meet project priorities and schedules.
Maintain accurate ERP planning and associated records, including work allocation, project registration and working hours as required.
Conduct shift briefings & handovers, toolbox talks and end of day reviews, ensuring the team understands the work, risks and required controls.
Check team members are suitably trained and competent for assigned tasks, arranging further training or support where needed.
Coordinate the allocation and use of internal transport equipment and operators, ensuring resources are suitable and available for planned activities. Maintain good housekeeping and safe storage of lifting and rigging equipment.
Work closely with all other departments including (but not limited to), Production, Process Engineering and HSE to coordinate activities and resolve operational issues as required.  
Lifting and rigging operations

Plan, coordinate and supervise lifting and rigging operations, including complex lifts involving mobile and crawler cranes, gantries, strand jacks, skidding systems and other specialist equipment.
Ensure lifting operations are planned, appropriately supervised and carried out safely.
Carry out assigned responsibilities including to prepare, review and/or approve lift plans, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work within the scope of own appointment, competence and delegated authority.
Check that proposed lifting methods, equipment and accessories are suitable for the load, conditions and intended operation.
Review proposed changes to lift plans, challenging unsafe or unsuitable proposals and obtaining the necessary technical approval before work proceeds.
Provide technical input to lift feasibility studies, engineering discussions and the planning of complex operations with internal colleagues or third parties.
Coordinate lifting activities with other departments and contractors, ensuring responsibilities and interfaces are clear.
Review significant lifting activities and support the implementation of lessons learned.  
Lifting equipment and LOLER compliance

Carry out site lifting equipment responsibilities assigned to the role, in accordance with company procedures and own competence.
Ensure lifting equipment and accessories are maintained in a safe condition, defects are reported and unsuitable equipment is taken out of use until appropriately assessed and cleared for use.
Ensure routine pre-use checks are completed and defects or concerns are reported and acted upon.
Assess equipment suitability for planned operations and arrange appropriate technical advice, inspection or examination where required.
Support audits and investigations involving lifting equipment or lifting operations and follow through on corrective actions.  
Heavy transport and SPMT operations

Coordinate SPMT operations and the movement of large modules, fabricated assemblies and other heavy loads around the yard and through relevant load-in/load-out areas.
Ensure transport plans and risk assessments are prepared and reviewed by suitably competent personnel.
Ensure route conditions, ground bearing pressures, stability, clearances, interfaces and other relevant movement risks are assessed and controlled.
Coordinate transport equipment, labour and access requirements with project teams and other departments.
Provide practical operational input into transport engineering and movement planning.
Ensure subcontracted activities are appropriately coordinated and that responsibilities and HSE arrangements are clear.  
The Person

Relevant, demonstrable competence in rigging, lifting and heavy transport operations, supported by appropriate recognised qualifications.
A relevant lifting operations planning or supervisory qualification or background or an accepted equivalent (including by way of experience) appropriate to the duties assigned.
Appropriate rigging competence, such as an OPITO or ECITB Level 3 qualification, or an accepted equivalent.
Demonstrable competence in planning, assessing or supervising complex lifting operations, as applicable to the role.
Knowledge of lifting equipment inspection, thorough examination and certification requirements, with competence appropriate to any assigned equipment compliance duties.
Full UK driving licence, where required for the role's operational duties.  
Experience

Substantial experience in heavy lifting, rigging and transport operations, ideally within heavy engineering, fabrication, manufacturing environments.
Experience leading or supervising lifting and transport teams.
Experience coordinating complex lifts, heavy load movements and specialist transport equipment.
Experience reviewing lift plans, risk assessments and method statements.
Experience coordinating resources, managing changing operational priorities and working across departments.  
Knowledge

Practical working knowledge of LOLER 1998, PUWER 1998 and relevant health and safety requirements.
Knowledge of BS 7121 and other applicable lifting standards and company procedures.
Understanding of lifting equipment inspections, thorough examinations, defects and certification records.
Understanding of heavy transport planning, SPMT operations and relevant route and ground conditions.
Ability to identify risks, challenge unsafe proposals and communicate technical requirements clearly.
Competence in relevant site systems, ERP planning and Microsoft Office