Operational Readiness Specialist

Job Advertisement: Operational Readiness Specialist

Location: DRC (Site-Based, FIFO 6 weeks on / 3 weeks off)
Employment Type: Contract 12 months

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Specialist to support our client's mining and processing operations by ensuring the successful transition of projects from design and construction through commissioning and into sustainable operations.

This is a critical role that bridges projects, maintenance, operations, training, and asset management, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and equipment are fully prepared for operational handover and long-term performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Readiness Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive Operational Readiness Plans (ORPs) for capital projects
• Ensure seamless transition from project execution to operational ownership
• Establish operational readiness milestones, deliverables, and handover requirements
• Coordinate readiness activities across engineering, operations, maintenance, and project teams

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Provide technical guidance on maintenance strategies, equipment reliability, and asset care
• Develop and optimize maintenance plans, procedures, and work management processes
• Support integration of asset management principles into operational readiness activities
• Ensure maintenance systems and teams are prepared before operational handover

ERP & Systems Integration

• Collaborate with ERP and business system teams to ensure operational readiness requirements are incorporated
• Validate asset data, maintenance plans, BOMs, and system configurations
• Support the use of operational data to improve readiness planning and decision-making

Training & Workforce Readiness

• Work with operational and maintenance teams to identify competency gaps
• Develop training programs, competency frameworks, and workforce readiness plans
• Support labour planning and resource modelling to meet operational requirements
• Ensure personnel are fully prepared to operate and maintain new assets safely and effectively

Risk Management & Commissioning Support

• Incorporate findings from HAZOPs, FMECAs, risk assessments, and commissioning activities into readiness plans
• Support commissioning, system testing, validation, and performance verification
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies before handover
• Facilitate smooth project-to-operations transitions and commissioning close-out activities

Stakeholder & Change Management

• Coordinate readiness activities across departments and stakeholders
• Establish effective handover processes and operational governance structures
• Drive collaboration between projects, operations, maintenance, HSE, and leadership teams
• Promote continuous improvement through lessons learned and feedback processes

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Asset Management, Maintenance Management, Operations Management, or related discipline
• Minimum 10 years' experience within mining, mineral processing, or heavy industrial operations
• Proven experience in Operational Readiness, Asset Management, Commissioning, or Maintenance Leadership
• Strong understanding of maintenance strategies, reliability engineering, and work management systems
• Experience supporting large-scale capital projects through commissioning and operational handover
• Knowledge of HAZOP, FMECA, Risk Management, Asset Management, and Operational Excellence principles
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Pronto, Oracle, or similar
• Previous experience in Africa or remote site environments preferred

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent planning, coordination, and organisational abilities
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Self-motivated and results-oriented

Health, Safety & Environment

• Champion a strong safety culture and operational discipline
• Ensure compliance with all site health, safety, and environmental standards
• Participate in risk assessments, HAZOPs, JSAs, and operational risk reviews
• Promote environmentally responsible operating practices and continuous improvement initiatives

What's on Offer

• Competitive contract package
• Rotation-based assignment
• Travel, accommodation, and meals provided
• Opportunity to play a key role in delivering major mining and processing projects into successful operations
• Exposure to world-class operational readiness, commissioning, and asset management practices

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is best suited to a senior maintenance, reliability, commissioning, asset management, or operational readiness professional who has successfully delivered the transition of mining or processing facilities from project execution into stable operations and can confidently engage with executives, project teams, and operational stakeholders.