Project Manager - Operational Readiness

We are seeking a highly experienced Operational Readiness Project Manager to lead and support the seamless transition of large-scale industrial or infrastructure projects from Mechanical Completion (MC) through to full-scale operational production. The successful candidate will have significant hands-on expertise in operational readiness assurance, interface management, and stakeholder engagement within complex project environments. This role is critical to ensuring all systems, procedures, and teams are fully prepared for safe, effective, and sustainable operations at handover.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Readiness Leadership:

• Lead the end-to-end operational readiness process, ensuring all requirements are met for a safe and efficient transition from MC to production.

Transition Management:

• Develop and execute comprehensive transition plans, including punch-list management, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and start-up readiness.

Stakeholder Coordination:

• Coordinate with engineering, construction, operations, HSE, maintenance, and external vendors to proactively address readiness gaps and interface issues.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with operational startup; implement robust risk management and contingency plans.

Readiness Reviews & Handover:

• Facilitate readiness reviews, audits, and sign-offs at key milestones. Oversee the generation, acceptance, and closure of MC, pre-commissioning, and commissioning dossiers.

Operational Systems & Procedures:

• Ensure the development, validation, and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), permits, and training documentation.
• Plan and coordinate resource readiness, including personnel mobilization, training, and competency assessment to enable a smooth ramp-up.
• Capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement practices into operational readiness processes.

Regulatory & Compliance Assurance:

• Ensure all operations comply with relevant regulatory, environmental, and safety standards prior to and through production startup.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• Proven track record (10+ years) in operational readiness roles within complex industrial environments (e.g., oil & gas, power generation, mining, infrastructure).
• Substantial leadership experience managing transitions from Mechanical Completion through to operational handover and production.
• Engineering degree (or equivalent) preferred; additional project management qualifications (e.g., PMP, Prince2) an advantage.
• In-depth knowledge of project lifecycle phases: MC, pre-commissioning, commissioning, startup, and ramp-up to full production.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational readiness process development and execution, system assurance, and stakeholder management.
• Solid understanding of safety and quality standards, regulatory compliance, and process safety management.
• Experience integrating operations, maintenance, HSE, and technical support functions during project transition.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and influencing skills at all levels of the organization.
• Strong leadership and decision-making
• Strategic and operational planning capabilities
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
• Problem solving and risk management
• Attention to detail and results-driven
• Adaptability and resilience in complex, dynamic environments