The Operational Readiness Director is responsible for ensuring a seamless transition from project execution to steadyโstate operations. This role bridges engineering, construction, and operations by ensuring that the people, processes, systems, and assets are fully prepared for safe, efficient, and reliable rampโup.
The Director establishes and leads the operational readiness framework across Nevada Projects, ensuring that all operational systems, workforce capabilities, and asset management processes are in place prior to handover.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Readiness Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive Operational Readiness Plan (ORP) aligned with project milestones and corporate objectives.
- Establish governance, frameworks, and benchmarks for readiness across all project phases.
- Ensure alignment between project execution timelines and operational requirements.
Project to Operations Integration
- Act as the primary interface between EPCM/project teams and operations to ensure design operability, maintainability, and longโterm performance.
- Influence engineering and design decisions to optimize operational outcomes.
- Lead the transition from โproject mindsetโ to โoperating mindsetโ across stakeholders.
Asset Management & Systems Setup
- Lead the development and implementation of asset management systems, including:
- Asset hierarchy structures
- Preventive maintenance (PM) programs
- Critical spare parts strategies
- CMMS systems (e.g., SAP, Ellipse)
- Ensure maintenance strategies support reliability, cost efficiency, and operational uptime.
Workforce Readiness & Capability Development
- Design the operational organizational structure and workforce plan.
- Lead recruitment strategy for operations personnel.
- Develop and implement technical training and competency programs to support safe and effective operations.
Operational Systems & Processes
- Establish and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety systems, and environmental compliance processes.
- Develop operational planning frameworks, including:
- Longโterm (multiโyear) plans
- Annual budgets and plans
- Shortโterm operational schedules
- Implement systems for production tracking and reporting, including metallurgical accounting and mining performance metrics.
- Support preโcommissioning and commissioning activities to ensure systems perform as designed.
- Identify operational risks early and support mitigation strategies.
- Lead the โCare, Custody, and Controlโ (CCC) handover process from project to operations.
- Ensure operational teams are fully prepared to assume ownership of assets at handover.
Requirements
- Bachelorโs degree in Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of mining industry experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in operational readiness, project transitions, or site operations leadership.
- Experience in both greenfield and brownfield projects preferred.
- Strong knowledge of mining and/or processing operations, including openโpit mining and mineral processing systems.
- Deep understanding of safety systems, operating philosophies, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience with asset management, maintenance strategies, and reliability programs.
- Proficiency in project management disciplines, including scheduling, budgeting (CAPEX/OPEX), and risk management.
- Familiarity with ERP and CMMS platforms (e.g., SAP, Ellipse).
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to balance project delivery priorities and operational requirements.
- Proven ability to lead organizational change and transition teams from project to operational environments.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate risks and identify solutions before impact.
- Effective communicator capable of influencing crossโfunctional teams without direct authority.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to build and develop highโperforming teams.
Benefits
AngloGold Ashanti North America (AGANA) offers a competitive benefits package to include company paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; flexible spending accounts; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays. Other ancillary benefits include employer paid basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, shortโterm and longโterm disability insurance, wellbeing reimbursement program, tuition reimbursement and a host of other benefits. AGANA recognizes the need for work life balance and offers a flexible/hybrid work schedule to employees. Eligible employees will participate in the annual shortโterm and longโterm incentive plans. All benefits are subject to the applicable eligibility and program/plan terms and conditions and may be modified or terminated at AGANAโs sole discretion.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
AngloGold Ashanti North America Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.