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Operational Readiness Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Launch Manager leads cross-functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production ...

The Launch Manager leads cross-functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production ...

Program Manager 4

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Program Manager , you will oversee the planning, execution, and operational readiness of strategic AI infrastructure and GPU delivery initiatives. You will be responsible for ...

IT Project Manager

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$85K - $101K/yr

IT Project Manager Contract: 12 Months Onsite Local Candidates Nashville, TN Seeking an experienced ... Testing, Deployment & Operational Readiness • Coordinate system testing activities including SIT ...

Showing results 21-40

Operational Readiness Manager information

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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Tennessee? For Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Readiness Manager jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Operational Readiness Manager jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Operational Readiness Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Operational Readiness Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Launch Manager

AAON, Inc.

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


AAON rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 488 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Description:

The Launch Manager leads cross-functional operational readiness for introducing new or revised heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning products into manufacturing. This position ensures production capabilities, materials, staffing, equipment, quality processes, and facility needs are prepared to support a smooth transition from planning through start of production. The role coordinates detailed readiness activities, monitors risks, resolves issues, and provides data-driven insights on capacity and performance. The Launch Manager contributes to department objectives by ensuring that product launches meet targets for timing, cost, and quality.

Primary Duties

  • Leads cross-functional planning and execution activities to ensure full operational readiness for new product launches or major product changes.
  • Develops and maintains launch plans, schedules, stage gates, and readiness criteria to guide teams through planning, pilot builds, and production ramp.
  • Coordinates material readiness, workforce planning, equipment and tooling preparation, process validation, quality planning, and logistics flow design.
  • Identifies risks and issues, facilitates problem resolution, and drives corrective or recovery actions to maintain launch timelines.
  • Prepares capacity, performance, and readiness reporting to support decision-making and leadership communication.
  • Partners with engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, maintenance, and program management teams to achieve launch performance goals.
  • Ensures alignment between production needs, facility capabilities, and workforce availability during ramp-up.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field; 5+ years of experience leading new product introductions or major operational changes in a manufacturing environment; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
  • Experience in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning manufacturing or electromechanical production preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong project management and organizational skills, including planning, tracking, and risk management.
  • Ability to analyze operational data, assess capacity, and interpret production and quality performance.
  • Skilled in facilitating cross-functional collaboration and communicating with both shop-floor teams and leadership.
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing workflows, production processes, and continuous improvement methods.
  • Ability to develop standard operating procedures, readiness checklists, and documentation supporting production launch.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, visual reporting tools, and basic modeling techniques.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions:

  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
  • Ability to adjust priorities quickly and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Frequent movement throughout production areas, test environments, and warehouses.
  • Ability to observe manufacturing builds and conduct on-site assessments.
  • Extended desk and computer work required for planning, documentation, and reporting.

Work Environment:

  • Performs work across office, test, and manufacturing floor environments.
  • Regular presence near moving mechanical equipment and varying noise levels.
  • Exposure to temperature fluctuations, dust, and industrial conditions.
  • Compliance with safety policies and use of personal protective equipment as required.
  • Occasional evening, weekend, or off-shift work may be necessary to support critical production activities.
  • Occasional travel to suppliers or other facilities may be required.

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