Operational Readiness Lead 12 Months Contract (with option to Extend) Package: R180K per Month (Depending on Qualifications and Experience) My client is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Lead for a major mining project transitioning into operations within the next 12 months – someone who has successfully led projects through final commissioning into stable operations. We are specifically seeking candidates with demonstrable Operational Readiness leadership experience on large-scale industrial or mining projects, not general project managers. Candidates must have direct exposure to: Commissioning integration Operational handover Business readiness Ramp-up performance Cross-functional operational integration This is a strategic leadership role focused on Operational Readiness, commissioning integration, business readiness, operational handover, and ramp-up performance, not a traditional project management role. Preference will be given Candidates with strong mining, EPCM, commissioning, and operational transition experience on large-scale industrial projects. POSITION OVERVIEW A major mining and processing operation is entering the critical transition phase from project execution into sustainable business operations. We are seeking an exceptional Operational Readiness Lead to drive and integrate all Operational Readiness (OR) activities across Project, Business, Operations, EPCM, OEM, Commissioning, and corporate functions to ensure a safe, efficient, and seamless handover into operations. This role is both administrative and strategic in nature, serving as a critical execution leadership function accountable for ensuring the business is fully prepared to assume operational ownership across people, systems, governance, risk, maintenance, supply chain, safety, commissioning, and performance readiness. The successful candidate will lead the integration of the Operational Readiness Framework (ORF), Project Operational Readiness (POR), and Business Operational Readiness (BOR) programmes through commissioning, handover, ramp-up, and operational stabilisation. This is a highly visible role interfacing directly with executive leadership, project directors, operational leadership teams, OEMs, EPCMs, contractors, and commissioning teams. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Minimum 15+ years’ experience within mining, minerals processing, heavy industrial, or large capital projects. Proven experience leading Operational Readiness programmes on major brownfield or greenfield projects. Demonstrated success transitioning projects into operations within complex industrial environments. Strong exposure to: Commissioning & start-up, Operations integration, Ramp-up and performance optimisation, Maintenance readiness, Governance and assurance frameworks, Operational risk management, OEM integration and Operational systems implementation. Experience working within EPCM, owner’s team, or integrated project delivery environments. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholder engagement. QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Engineering, Mining, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline. Postgraduate qualification advantageous. Project Management and/or Operational Readiness certification advantageous. #J-18808-Ljbffr