Offshore Lifting Specialist

Location: Qatar (Offshore with some Onshore activities)
Contract Type: Long-term contract
Mobilisation: February 2026
Contract End: November 2026
Rotation: Offshore assignment with periodic onshore support
Notice Period: Two months (onshore) / three months (offshore)

Role Overview

We are supporting a major offshore development programme in Qatar and are seeking an experienced Offshore Lifting Specialist to take a lead role in planning, supervising, and assuring safe and efficient lifting and handling operations across offshore and associated onshore activities.

This role suits a senior lifting professional who thrives in complex brownfield environments and enjoys being hands-on offshore while influencing safety culture, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the on-site lifting specialist for offshore activities, overseeing all contractor lifting and handling operations

• Plan, assess, and supervise lifting operations in line with company procedures and internationally recognised standards

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure lifting activities are executed safely and efficiently

• Ensure lifting operations are appropriately categorised, risk assessed, and technically evaluated

• Provide technical input into lift plans, equipment selection, and engineering calculations for complex and critical lifts

• Review and approve lifting equipment, including cranes, fixed lifting systems, accessories, and loose lifting gear

• Ensure inspection, certification, traceability, and maintenance requirements are met

• Conduct vessel and crane readiness inspections prior to mobilisation

• Attend toolbox talks, critical lifts, post-job reviews, and debriefs

• Support internal audits, incident investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Work closely with onshore teams and offshore supervisors to monitor readiness and execution progress

• Mentor and support contractor personnel to meet required competency and safety standards

Experience and Background

• Minimum 10 years experience in lifting and handling operations at a supervisory or specialist level

• Strong offshore oil and gas experience, including brownfield environments

• Experience with offshore installation activities such as jackets, topsides, or heavy modules is preferred

• Proven background supervising critical and heavy lifts

• Experience working both onshore and offshore

• Background roles may include Lifting Supervisor, Lifting Superintendent, Rigging Supervisor, or similar

• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or training others is an advantage

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of lifting appliances, accessories, and handling equipment

• Experience working to international standards such as BS, LOLER, or equivalent

• Competent in lift categorisation, risk assessment, and hazard identification

• Solid understanding of HSE principles related to lifting and handling operations

• Ability to review and challenge complex lift plans and engineering documentation

Qualifications and Certifications

• Technical or engineering qualification, or relevant industry certification

• Recognised lifting and rigging certifications (for example OPITO, LEEA, EAL, CPA, or equivalent)

• Offshore safety certifications such as BOSIET and H2S, or willingness to obtain