Heavy Cranes Operator

Mobile Crane Operator – Heavy Cranes

Nationwide Coverage

Looking to operate at the very top end of the industry?

Ainscough Crane Hire is seeking an experienced CPCS Blue Card Mobile Crane Operator to join our specialist Heavy Cranes team—working on some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile lifts.

This is more than just a driving role. It’s about precision, responsibility, and being trusted to deliver when it matters most.

What’s in it for you?

We recognise the skill and accountability that comes with heavy crane operations—and we reward it accordingly:

• Competitive rates of pay
• Overtime opportunities available
• High-quality PPE supplied to Ainscough safety standards
• Ongoing training & development, including:
  • MAST (Mandatory Ainscough Safety Training)
  • Safety Passport
  • Manufacturer training with Liebherr
• Annual medicals
• 24 days holiday + bank holidays
• Enhanced holiday entitlement with service milestones
• 1 paid volunteering day
• Company pension & life assurance
• Easy online access to payslips and personal information
• Access to the Ainscough Advantage benefits platform

Why Ainscough Crane Hire?

As the UK’s leading crane hire company, we operate from 30 locations nationwide—supporting critical infrastructure, construction, and specialist projects.

But our success isn’t just about the fleet—it’s about the people behind it.

Our teams take pride in delivering lifts safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Our “Always Make the Safe Choice” ethos runs through everything we do—on every site, every lift, every day.

The Role: What You’ll Be Doing

As part of our Heavy Cranes team, you’ll be trusted to deliver safe, high-quality lifting operations across a range of challenging environments nationwide.

Your priority will always be clear: safety first, no compromises.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Operating cranes in line with manufacturer instructions and company standards
• Complying fully with road traffic regulations
• Ensuring correct setup, including safe use of outriggers on level ground
• Checking and operating rated capacity limiters and indicators
• Carrying out safe manual handling practices (e.g. outrigger pans)
• Liaising with Site and Project Managers on arrival
• Assessing environmental conditions, including wind and weather impacts
• Stopping operations where safety may be compromised
• Safely accessing and exiting equipment
• Maintaining knowledge of duty charts, crane documentation, and procedures
• Continuously developing your skills across different crane models and lifting scenarios

About You

You’re a skilled operator who understands the responsibility that comes with heavy crane work—and takes pride in getting it right.

You’ll bring:

• A full UK driving licence
• HGV Class C licence
• In-date Blue CPCS card with relevant crane authorisation
• Proven experience operating mobile cranes (heavy crane experience essential)
• Strong understanding of road traffic regulations
• Knowledge of how weather and site conditions impact lifting operations

The Kind of Operator Who Thrives Here

• Safety-led in every decision
• Calm, focused, and confident under pressure
• Willing to challenge unsafe practices—no matter the source
• Professional, reliable, and takes pride in your work
• Customer-focused and a strong representative of the Ainscough brand

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Ainscough Crane Hire is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We hire based on merit, potential, and business need.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we’re here to support you.