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Operational Readiness Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

AI Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54.09 - $64.09/hr

Own delivery cadences, RAID management, stakeholder communication, and operational readiness (support, monitoring, knowledge management). location: Chicago, Illinois job type: Contract salary: $54.09 ...

... operational readiness. * Track technical risks, dependencies, and delivery progress while ... Support development standards, code reviews, testing practices, and release management activities.

New

Partner with Enterprise Systems to ensure CRM structures align with organizational governance standards and infrastructure requirements Operational Readiness & Execution Governance Establish ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Readiness Manager information

What is an operational readiness manager?

An Operational Readiness Manager is responsible for ensuring that a company’s people, processes, and systems are fully prepared for the launch or transition of new projects, systems, or facilities. They coordinate between various departments to identify potential risks, develop readiness plans, and implement solutions to ensure smooth operations from day one. Their role often involves change management, training, and testing to confirm that all operational requirements are met prior to go-live. This position is crucial in industries such as construction, IT, energy, and manufacturing, where seamless transitions are critical for business continuity.

How does an operational readiness manager collaborate with cross-functional teams during project rollouts?

Operational Readiness Managers work closely with departments such as engineering, IT, HR, and operations to ensure all aspects of a project are ready for launch. They facilitate regular meetings, coordinate readiness assessments, and align stakeholders on deliverables and timelines. This role often serves as a bridge between technical teams and business units, ensuring seamless communication and that potential risks or gaps are addressed early. Effective collaboration helps ensure a smooth transition from project phase to operational use, minimizing disruptions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational readiness manager, and why are they important?

To excel as an Operational Readiness Manager, you need expertise in project management, risk assessment, process improvement, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project or Primavera), readiness assessment frameworks, and sometimes certifications such as PMP are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate cross-functional teams and manage complex transitions. These skills ensure seamless project launches, minimize operational disruptions, and drive continual organizational improvement.

What is the difference between Operational Readiness Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectOperational Readiness ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusEnsuring operational systems and processes are prepared for launch or changePlanning, executing, and closing projects within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsCertifications like PMP, Six Sigma often preferredProject Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2
Work EnvironmentOperations teams, cross-departmental coordinationProject teams, stakeholders, clients
Industry UsageCommon in industries with complex operational setups like manufacturing, energyWidely used across various industries for project execution

While both roles require strong project management skills and certifications, the Operational Readiness Manager focuses on preparing operational systems for deployment, whereas the Project Manager oversees the entire project lifecycle. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and find suitable candidates.

What job categories do people searching Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operational Readiness Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Operational Readiness Manager job openings:

Senior Manager - Flight Ops Crew Scheduling & Administration

United Airlines, Inc.

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


United Airlines rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Description
Get ready for a career at the leading edge of the airline industry! Our Flight Operations team works hard to connect people and unite the world safely, reliably and efficiently every single day. From industry leadership and pioneering technologies to next-level training courses, our Flight Ops team hires, trains, qualifies and supports the best pilots in the industry. The moments we share in the air and on the ground with our customers and our colleagues make United a special place to work and a great way to fly, together.
Job overview and responsibilities
The Senior Manager of Flight Operations Crew Scheduling and Administration provides strategic and operational leadership for the pilot scheduling, workforce planning, and crew administration functions. This role drives operational readiness, workforce optimization, process improvements, and technology initiatives that support a safe, reliable and efficient airline operation. Partnering closely with Flight Operations, Human Resources, Crew Planning, Digital Technology, and labor organizations, the Senior Manager develops and executes effective staffing strategies, operational readiness, establishes trust and builds relationships, leads organizational performance and employee development. The role ensures alignment between business objectives, operational needs, and workforce capabilities while driving continuous improvement across the organization.
  • Lead the Flight Operations Crew Scheduling organization, providing strategic and operational oversight of pilot scheduling execution, staffing strategy, operational readiness, and support of irregular operations. Establish organizational and operational priorities, monitor performance, and ensure the department consistently delivers safe, reliable, and efficient crew scheduling solutions that support airline operations. Ensure resources, processes, and decision-making are aligned to meet business objectives, regulatory requirements and operational demands.
  • Provide strategic leadership for workforce planning, pilot staffing initiatives, and crew scheduling programs. Partner with Crew Planning and operational leaders to develop and implement staffing strategies that support operational needs and improve long-term scheduling effectiveness through data-driven decision making.
  • Lead cross-functional process improvement, technology, automation, and innovation initiatives that enhance crew scheduling operations and organizational effectiveness. Partner with Digital Technology and business stakeholders to modernize scheduling processes, drive operational efficiencies, and implement scalable automation solutions that enhance employee productivity and operational outcomes.
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with labor representatives, operational stakeholders, and business partners to drive alignment and support organizational objectives. Represent Crew Scheduling in operational forums, planning discussions, and strategic initiatives to ensure alignment across the enterprise.
  • Lead and develop leaders and employees through coaching, talent development, succession planning, training, and performance management initiatives. Foster a high-performance culture focused on engagement, accountability, operational excellence, consistency, and continuous improvement while building organizational capabilities to support current and future business needs.
  • Ensure consistent administration of company policies, procedures, employee accommodations, and workforce programs. Partner with Human Resources and leadership teams to address employee relations matters, mitigate risk, and support consistent application of policies and workforce practices across the organization.
  • Present regular updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders regarding operational performance, strategic initiatives, workforce planning efforts, technology deployments, and department priorities. Develop clear communication strategies that increase organizational awareness, drive stakeholder engagement, and support alignment across the company

Qualifications
What's needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience (Field of Study; Aviation/Aeronautics, Supply Chain, Statistics, Economics, Operations Research, Engineering, Business, Computer Sciences, Logistics/Transportation, or related fields)
  • 5-8 years of relevant experience
  • Exceptional organizational, presentation, analytical and communication skills with the ability to translate complex operational issues into clear business recommendations.
  • Proven interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to partner with leaders across all levels of the organization to drive results and organizational change
  • Proven success managing complex cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.
  • Innovative strategic thinker with proven track record of driving change
  • Demonstrated experience leading change management and process improvement
  • Proven ability to develop talent, build high-performing teams, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Effectively manage people and processes
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
  • Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Master's Degree (Field of Study; Engineering, Operations Research)
  • 8+ years of relevant leadership experience
  • 2+ years of leadership experience
  • 1+ years experience leading/collaborating on large scale growth initiatives
  • 2+ years of experience in data analytics of process improvement
  • Project Management Experience
  • Six Sigma

What United Airlines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About United Airlines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

United Airlines is embarking on an exciting journey to become the best airline in aviation history. Our purpose, "Connecting People, Uniting the World," extends beyond transportation, emphasizing our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the places we serve. With a global presence and diverse workforce, we value inclusivity and are dedicated to hiring tens of thousands of individuals across various roles. Our comprehensive benefits package, including perks like space available travel, parental leave, and 401k, aims to support your well-being and growth.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1926

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