Crane Rail Welding Supervisor

Role purpose

Lead and perform enclosed arc welding (EAW) repairs to ship-to-shore and quayside crane rails at operational port terminals. The role is hands-on: you will weld to Alatas welding procedure specification RP/CW/055, supervise a small team of coded welders, and act as the on-site technical authority for rail joint quality, safety and client liaison.

Key responsibilities

• Perform enclosed manual metal arc (MMA 111) butt welding of flat-bottom crane rails (A45-A150, CR87/CR89/CR125, DIN 536) in accordance with RP/CW/055, including joint preparation, copper block and backing bar set-up, alignment and straightness checks
• Control and record preheat (250-300 C by section), interpass discipline and post-weld heat treatment (550-600 C stress relief, controlled cooling), including temperature monitoring and documentation
• Supervise and mentor the team and confirm welders work within their range of qualification and complete six-monthly employer endorsements of welder approval certificates
• Coordinate NDT (visual, MPI, radiography/UT as specified) with examining bodies, review results against BS EN ISO 5817 quality levels, and manage defect excavation and re-weld
• Plan and lead site works: method statements, risk assessments, hot work at height in confined positions, protection of crane electrical systems from stray welding current, and compliance with port/dock permit systems
• Maintain weld records, test reports and project documentation to Alatas and client standards; interface professionally with terminal engineering teams
• Support workshop welder training, procedure qualification trials and continuous improvement of the rail welding procedure

Essential requirements

• Current welder qualification to BS EN ISO 9606-1 (MMA 111, butt welds, Group 2 steels) or demonstrable ability to pass approval testing on rail sections; specific EAW crane rail experience strongly preferred
• Proven background in structural or rail welding of thick sections (95 mm+) with low-hydrogen electrodes, including preheat and PWHT control
• Supervisory experience leading small welding teams on live industrial or port sites
• Sound working knowledge of BS EN ISO 15613/15614 procedure qualification, ISO 5817 quality levels and common NDT methods
• Comfortable working at height, in confined positions and outdoors in port environments; willing to travel at short notice, including overseas
• Full driving licence and valid passport

Desirable

• CITB/SSSTS or SMSTS, IOSH, confined space and working at height tickets
• Experience with crane rail alignment, clip systems and rail surveys
• NDT appreciation qualifications (MPI/DPI)