Johannesburg: Operational Readiness Lead (Greenfields/Brownfields Mining Operations) – Bryanston/Zimbabwe

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Lead to join our team in Bryanston, South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the full Operational Readiness programme from execution through handover and ramp-up, ensuring a safe and efficient transition into operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and manage the integrated OR governance structure, reporting systems, readiness reviews, and assurance processes.
• Drive alignment between Project Operational Readiness (POR) and Business Operational Readiness (BOR).
• Ensure operational ownership is embedded well before handover.
• Lead Operational Readiness Steering Committee (ORSC) engagements and executive reporting.
• Develop and maintain the integrated OR master plan and readiness schedule aligned to project milestones and commissioning phases.
• Drive readiness across all operational workstreams including: Operations Maintenance HSE Supply Chain Warehousing & Logistics HR & Workforce Readiness Systems & Technology Finance & Commercial Risk & Assurance Training & Competency Operational Procedures OEM Readiness.
• Manage readiness gates, acceptance criteria, and operational certification milestones.
• Coordinate readiness reviews, punch-list closeout, asset handovers, documentation acceptance, and operational acceptance certification.
• Ensure handover packages, operational procedures, maintenance systems, and training records are complete and verified.

Requirements

• 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 Operational systems implementation Experience working within EPCM, owners team, or integrated project delivery environments.

Qualifications

Degree in Engineering, Mining, Metallurgy, Process Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline. Postgraduate qualification. Project Management and/or Operational Readiness certification advantageous.

Salary & Benefits

Not specified.

Leadership Profile

We are seeking a highly driven operational leader with:

• Strong executive presence and influence.
• Exceptional integration and coordination capability.
• High resilience under pressure.
• Strong commercial and operational acumen.
• Ability to challenge constructively and drive accountability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capability.
• Strong governance discipline and execution focus.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Safe and efficient transition into operations.
• Achievement of readiness milestones and gate approvals.
• Operational acceptance and handover completion.
• Workforce competency and operational capability readiness.
• Successful commissioning integration Ramp-up performance achievement.
• Reduction of operational startup risk.
• Operational stability and performance within first 180 days post-start-up.

Location & Project Status

Based in Bryanston, with a hybrid work model and regular on-site presence required during operational rollout. Large-scale mining project approaching operational transition. Initial 12-month contract with the option to extend.