Manager Operational Readiness DA

About the Role

Qiddiya is seeking a Manager, Operational Readiness DA to lead operational readiness planning and delivery for assigned assets and programs. This full-time position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and involves translating strategic objectives into integrated plans, governance, assurance, and mobilization activities.

Role Purpose

The Manager, Operational Readiness DA coordinates multidisciplinary stakeholders, resolves dependencies, and ensures that all necessary elements, including people, processes, systems, facilities, permits, and services, are prepared for activation. The role is critical in ensuring smooth transitions from project delivery to operational phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of integrated operational readiness strategies, plans, schedules, and governance frameworks.
• Manage readiness reporting for assigned scopes, including milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, decisions, and evidence of completion.
• Coordinate operational requirements with project delivery teams and ensure readiness needs are incorporated into design, commissioning, and handover activities.
• Drive the development and assurance of operating models, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workforce plans, training programs, Operating Supplies & Equipment (OS&E), technology, facilities, and service mobilization plans.
• Lead cross-functional readiness reviews, workshops, inspections, rehearsals, trials, and activation decision gates.
• Oversee permit, license, and regulatory readiness planning in coordination with accountable functions and external authorities.
• Establish acceptance criteria and ensure readiness evidence is complete, accurate, and suitable for management assurance.
• Identify critical gaps and direct mitigation plans to protect safety, compliance, customer experience, and opening dates.
• Prepare executive reports and recommendations, escalating material blockers that require leadership decisions.
• Manage consultants and service providers within the assigned scope, including deliverable quality, schedule, and performance.
• Provide direction, coaching, and quality review to readiness team members and workstream owners.
• Lead lessons learned initiatives and continuous improvement efforts for operational readiness processes, tools, and standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, project management, or a related discipline is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Experience: 5-7 years of relevant experience in operational readiness, mobilization, project delivery, or asset activation for complex programs.
• Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, facilities management, operational readiness, HSE, or risk management certification is preferred.

Work Location

This position is based in Riyadh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.