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Operational Readiness Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Operational Readiness Analyst

Stafford, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

This role is critical in bridging the gap between project management and our technical teams ... operational readiness, end user communications and integration projects. You will be a key ...

LIM College

Career Readiness Manager

Manhattan, NY

$66K/yr

The Career Readiness Manager plays a central role in strengthening undergraduate career readiness ... Familiarity with higher education environments and career services operations. Experience Required ...

LIM College

Career Readiness Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$66K/yr

The Career Readiness Manager plays a central role in strengthening undergraduate career readiness ... Familiarity with higher education environments and career services operations. Experience Required ...

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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.
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Operational Readiness Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Readiness Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Operational Readiness Project Manager

Operational Readiness Project Manager

CAI

Indianapolis, IN

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

CAI Overview:
Are You Ready?
CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown to over 700 people worldwide. We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries.
We put our clients' interests first, we do not stop until it is right, and we will do whatever it takes to get there.
At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles:
We act with integrity
We serve each other
We serve society
We work for our future
We believe that with employee ownership, one person's success is everyone's success. We embrace a Team Before Self mindset, demonstrate Respect for Others, and maintain a Can-Do Attitude-our three core values.
 
Position Overview:
The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap between mechanical completion and sustained operational performance. The ORPM designs and leads holistic Operational Readiness programs using CAI's six-pillar Readiness Framework. This role ensures project teams achieve right-first-time metrics, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver world-class performance from day one.
 
Key Responsibilities:
1. Project & Program Leadership
- Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives.
- Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1-3 client engagements simultaneously.
- Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs.
 
2. Pillar Integration & Execution
- Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams.
- Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving).
 
3. Client Advisory
- Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.).
- Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset.
 
4. People Development
- Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors.
- Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth.
 
5. Thought Leadership
-Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools.
 
Skills & Characteristics Required:
- Consulting & Facilitation
- Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals.
- Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership.
- Project Execution
- Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout.
- Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery.
- Continuous Improvement
- Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.
 
Qualifications and Experience:
- BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent).
- 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or
- 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations.
(Black Belt or equivalent preferred.)
- Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience.
- Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficient in project management software tools.
 
Other Requirements:
- Excellent written and verbal English communication.
- Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
- Willing to work overtime when necessary.
- PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus.
 
Critical Competencies
Influence Strategy
- Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies.
- Identifies innovative solutions to challenges that have strategic impact, balancing both short- and long-term concerns.
- Identifies issues related to emerging customer and market needs.
 
Satisfy the Customer
- Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs.
- Develops solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations and shares feedback with relevant groups.
- Consistently follows up with customers to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Continually searches for ways to improve customer service, including removal of barriers and providing solutions.
 
Plan for Success
- Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups.
- Obtains and allocates resources needed to accomplish goals.
- Anticipates risk and builds effective contingency plans.
 
Pursue Execution
- Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals.
- Holds self and others accountable for achieving outcomes. 
- Anticipates obstacles and takes appropriate actions to accelerate work or improve quality.
 
Tailor Communication
- Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
- Tailors communication style and content to audience effectively.
- Writes technical concepts clearly and thoroughly for all audience types.
 
Build Partnerships
- Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization.
- Builds collaboration by identifying and conveying common interests and priorities, removing barriers, and breaking down silos.
- Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them.
- Maintains positive relationships regardless of challenges, organizational level, personality, or background differences.
 
Influence Others
- Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions.
- Builds a broad base of support among key decision makers and influencers.
- Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others.
  Encourages others to find new solutions that improve outcomes and deliver value.
 
Develop Self and Others
- Continuously develops interpersonal skills to build effective internal and external relationships.
  Models company values and always acts with integrity.
  Looks for opportunities to develop breakthrough ideas and initiatives.
$140,000 - $175,000 a year
Average base salary range - not including benefits, and potential overtime and/or Cost of Living Adjustment.
 
CAI Benefits:
Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage
24 days of Paid Time Off
Company paid Life Insurance
Company paid Long Term Disability
We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all - our employees, our customers, and the broader society.
 
This job description is not all inclusive and you may be asked to do other duties. CAI will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Act (FCA) / Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO). 
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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