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Operational Readiness Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAI

Operational Readiness Project Manager

Boston, MA

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 ...

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How much do operational readiness jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational readiness in the United States is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Operational Readiness, and why are they important?

To thrive in Operational Readiness, you need strong project management abilities, process optimization knowledge, and a background in operations or engineering, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with tools such as Lean Six Sigma, risk management software, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help professionals coordinate cross-functional teams and respond to evolving challenges. These skills ensure smooth transitions to new processes or systems, minimizing disruptions and maximizing organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Operational Readiness vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectOperational ReadinessMaintenance Technician
CredentialsCertifications in safety, quality, and operational proceduresTechnical certifications in equipment repair and maintenance
Work EnvironmentPre-commissioning, startup, and process optimization phasesRoutine equipment repair and preventive maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, oil & gas industries during project startupManufacturing, facilities, and industrial plants for ongoing maintenance

Operational Readiness focuses on preparing systems for production, ensuring safety, and optimizing startup processes. Maintenance Technicians handle ongoing equipment repairs and preventive maintenance. While both roles require technical skills, Operational Readiness is more project-focused, whereas Maintenance Technicians support daily operational upkeep.

What is operational readiness?

Operational readiness refers to the process of ensuring that an organization, system, or project is fully prepared to operate effectively and efficiently when it goes live or enters into service. This involves verifying that all people, processes, equipment, and support systems are in place and functioning as intended. The goal is to minimize risks, prevent disruptions, and achieve a smooth transition from the planning or development phase to regular operations. Operational readiness is critical in industries like construction, manufacturing, IT, and healthcare, where successful project launches and ongoing performance are essential.

How does an Operational Readiness role typically collaborate with project teams to ensure smooth transitions to live operations?

In an Operational Readiness role, professionals work closely with project managers, engineers, and support staff from the early stages of a project to understand operational requirements. They facilitate knowledge transfer, identify potential risks, and help design processes and training to prepare teams for go-live. This collaboration ensures that all stakeholders are aligned, that systems and processes are thoroughly tested, and that teams are equipped to handle incidents or changes effectively. Regular meetings and readiness reviews are common practices to track progress and address challenges before launch.
More about Operational Readiness jobs
What cities are hiring for Operational Readiness jobs? Cities with the most Operational Readiness job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Readiness jobs? The most popular types of Operational Readiness jobs are:
What states have the most Operational Readiness jobs? States with the most job openings for Operational Readiness jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Operational Readiness jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Readiness jobs are:
Operational Readiness jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Readiness job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,415 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Operational Readiness Project Manager

CAI

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Posted 17 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.
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.