Manager - Operational Readiness

General Summary

Lead operational readiness planning and delivery for assigned assets and programmes, translating strategic objectives into integrated plans, governance, assurance and mobilisation activities. The role coordinates multidisciplinary stakeholders, resolves dependencies and ensures that people, processes, systems, facilities, permits and services are ready for activation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead the development and implementation of integrated operational readiness strategies, plans, schedules and governance frameworks.

2. Own readiness reporting for assigned scopes, including milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, decisions and evidence of completion.

3. Coordinate operational requirements with project delivery and ensure readiness needs are reflected in design, commissioning and handover activities.

4. Drive development and assurance of operating models, SOPs, workforce, training, OS&E, technology, facilities and service mobilisation plans.

5. Lead cross-functional readiness reviews, workshops, inspections, rehearsals, trials and activation decision gates.

6. Oversee permit, licence and regulatory readiness planning in coordination with accountable functions and external authorities.

7. Establish acceptance criteria and ensure readiness evidence is complete, accurate and suitable for management assurance.

8. Identify critical gaps and direct mitigation plans to protect safety, compliance, customer experience and opening dates.

9. Prepare executive reports and recommendations, and escalate material blockers requiring leadership decisions.

10. Manage consultants and service providers within assigned scope, including deliverable quality, schedule and performance.

11. Provide direction, coaching and quality review to readiness team members and workstream owners.

12. Lead lessons learned and continuous improvement of operational readiness processes, tools and standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor s degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, project management or a related discipline. Master s degree is preferred.

Professional Certifications (if required)

PMP, PRINCE2, facilities management, operational readiness, HSE or risk management certification is preferred.

Years of Experience

5-7 years of relevant experience in operational readiness, mobilisation, project delivery or asset activation for complex programmes.