Rigging & Lifting Specialist

Job Overview

The Rigging & Lifting Specialist is responsible for delivering expert technical guidance and assurance on all lifting and rigging operations throughout the project lifecycle. This role ensures all lifting activities are planned, executed, and monitored in strict compliance with ADNOC standards, relevant international regulations, project guidelines, and industry leading practices. The aim is to ensure safe lifting procedures, reduce operational risks, and maintain contractor adherence during construction and commissioning phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and provide technical assurance for all rigging and lifting activities conducted by EPC contractors.
• Review and authorize lifting studies, execution plans, method statements, and risk assessments for standard and critical lifts.
• Ensure compliance with ADNOC Codes of Practice, project HSE requirements, and applicable international standards.
• Participate in constructability reviews to incorporate lifting requirements into engineering and construction strategies.
• Verify certification, inspection, and fitness-for-use of cranes, lifting gear, accessories, and rigging equipment.
• Evaluate crane selection, lift setups, ground bearing capabilities, and equipment capacities.
• Monitor contractor adherence to lifting procedures, permit-to-work systems, and lifting management protocols.
• Conduct on-site inspections and audits of lifting operations, suggesting improvements as needed.
• Witness and critically assess complex lifts including critical, heavy, tandem, and specialized lifts.
• Ensure deployment of competent lifting personnel such as crane operators, riggers, signalmen, and supervisors.
• Investigate lifting incidents, near misses, and unsafe situations, recommending corrective and preventive measures.
• Engage in HAZID, HAZOP, SIMOPS, constructability, and risk workshops related to lifting activities.
• Coordinate with Construction, HSE, Engineering, QA/QC, and Operations teams to ensure safe execution.
• Support pre-commissioning and commissioning stages that involve specialized lifting operations.
• Maintain comprehensive records of inspections, audits, findings, and technical recommendations.
• Promote continuous enhancement of lift safety through coaching, mentoring, and sharing expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Preferred professional rigging and lifting certification from recognized international authorities.
• Desirable additional certifications such as Appointed Person, LEEA, CPCS, NCCCO, OPITO, or equivalents.
• HSE-related certifications applicable to onshore/offshore construction environments are advantageous.

Experience Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in construction, heavy lifting, and rigging within the oil and gas sector.
• Minimum 10 years experience on large EPC, EPCM, or PMC projects.
• At least 5 years working on ADNOC or equivalent Middle East oil and gas projects.
• Extensive expertise in planning and supervising critical lifts involving heavy process equipment, modules, vessels, tanks, and structural steel.
• Experience supporting greenfield oil and gas projects from engineering through construction and commissioning.
• PMC experience is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of ADNOC lifting standards and Codes of Practice.
• Strong familiarity with LOLER, BS 7121, ASME B30 series, ISO lifting standards, and LEEA guidance.
• Ability to review and approve crane studies, lift plans, ground bearing, rigging calculations, and load distribution analyses.
• Experience with heavy lift engineering and transport operations.
• Skilled in assessing lifting risks and applying mitigation techniques.
• Understanding of construction sequencing and interface controls.
• Excellent skills in preparing technical reports and clear communication.

Preferred Skills

• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Strong stakeholder management with influence over EPC contractors.
• Meticulous attention to detail and dedication to HSE excellence.
• Ability to work efficiently within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and engineering document control systems.
• Familiarity with digital lifting management platforms is a plus.

Interactions

• PMC Construction Manager
• Site Construction Teams
• HSE Team
• Engineering Team
• QA/QC Team
• Commissioning Team
• EPC Contractor Construction Management
• Crane and Heavy Lift Contractors
• ADNOC Project Management Team

About the Employer

Wood is a leading global provider of consulting, engineering, and operational services for the energy and materials sectors. Operating in roughly 50 countries with 33,000 employees, the company supports clients throughout asset lifecycles, delivering safe and dependable outcomes that foster resilient operations and contribute to a lower carbon future. Wood forms part of Sidara, a global partnership of premier multidisciplinary engineering, design, and project management firms.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The organisation commits to equal opportunity, valuing workforce diversity. All qualified candidates will be considered fairly, without discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, gender, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other protected characteristics in line with applicable laws.