Job Description

Location: Aberdeen

Duration: Permanent

Work Type: Full time (hours as per operational requirements)

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client ASCO, for a Chargehand to support quayside operations. The Chargehand is responsible for proactively directing personnel and quayside activities, ensuring safe systems of work are in place and fully effective in accordance with legislation, company procedures, and industry standards.

The role ensures lifting and cargo handling operations are conducted in line with British Standard 7121-1 (2006), BS ISO 15513 training requirements, OPITO Banksman/Slinger standards, and OGUK Best Practice guidelines. The Chargehand plays a key leadership role in maintaining safety, operational efficiency, and compliance across all assigned activities.

Operating in a fast-paced environment, the Chargehand leads appointed teams, ensures clear communication of responsibilities, and promotes a strong safety culture aligned with company and client expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Team Leadership

• Actively support the Quayside Supervisor and Checker in the safe and efficient delivery of quayside operations.

• Be responsible and accountable for the safety and performance of appointed teams.

• Provide clear, unambiguous instructions and ensure full understanding of assigned duties.

• Demonstrate strong leadership in raising safety awareness and encouraging reporting and investigation.

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across work areas.

• Undertake ad-hoc duties in line with training and competency assessments.

Lifting & Cargo Handling Compliance

• Ensure lifting operations comply with British Standard 7121-1 and relevant OPITO standards.

• Ensure cargo handling complies with OGUK Best Practice Safe Packing and Handling of Cargo guidelines.

• Inspect units for damage, overloading, and compliance prior to vessel offloading.

• Ensure vessels are loaded in accordance with client special instructions and confirm remaining onboard (ROB) items.

Safety & Risk Management

• Carry out effective toolbox talks prior to task commencement and when conditions change.

• Ensure understanding and communication of relevant procedures, work aids, and risk assessments.

• Conduct Live Safe Interventions (LSI) and promote participation within the team.

• Maintain and enforce safe systems of work within assigned areas.

• Report incidents, policy breaches, or unsafe conditions to line management.

• Fully endorse and apply the ‘Stop the Job’ policy when required.

• Attend and contribute to safety meetings.

Governance & Standards

• Ensure formal procedures, safety standards, and standing instructions are consistently communicated and adhered to.

• Support continuous improvement of safety and environmental performance.

• Adhere to the company’s integrated management system and document control processes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• OPITO Banksman Slinger certificate (assessment/reassessment).

• IOSH Working Safely.

Desirable Qualifications:

• 5–15T Counterbalance Forklift Truck certification.

• Fire Warden training.

• Manual Handling.

• HASAWA / LOLER / PUWER Awareness.

• Oil Spill Awareness.

• ASCO Vehicle Banksman & Forklift Spotter training.

• ASCO Ready 4 Road training.

• Security Awareness training.

• Diversity & Inclusion training.

• Rigging loft management.

• Previous experience in a similar role.

Minimum Competencies

• Natural leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Maintains positive, professional, and proactive working relationships.

• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to the wider team.

• Adaptable and effective in a fast-paced environment without compromising standards.

• Strong planning, organising, and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Motivated to achieve high standards of performance and customer support.

• Knowledge of deck planning and dangerous goods awareness.

• Numerate and literate.

• First Aid at Work (beneficial).