Associate Director - Operational Readiness - 50013213 - DA3

Lead the cross-functional setup of operating companies (OpCos) and related transformation initiatives, from operating-model design through mobilisation and transition to operations. Establish clear accountabilities, decision routes and evidence-based readiness so that the new operating arrangements can function safely and effectively from Day 1. Key accountabilities OpCo setup and operating model · Lead the integrated OpCo setup plan, including scope, operating model, governance, interfaces, milestones and critical dependencies. · Align Operations, Asset Management, Development and enabling functions on accountabilities, handovers, service requirements and unresolved design choices. · Coordinate the definition of organisational, workforce, process, systems and supplier requirements with the accountable functional owners. Transformation delivery · Translate agreed transformation objectives into sequenced initiatives, accountable owners, decision points and measurable outcomes. · Lead cross-functional workstreams to resolve delivery friction, test assumptions and implement agreed changes rather than reporting activity alone. · Develop options and recommendations for senior leadership where trade-offs, resources or changes to the operating model require a decision. Mobilisation and readiness assurance · Integrate people, processes, technology, facilities, safety, security, commercial and service mobilisation into a single readiness view. · Define acceptance criteria with owners, verify supporting evidence, and escalate gaps that threaten safe opening or operational continuity. · Oversee the transition of outstanding actions, controls and service ownership into business-as-usual operations. Governance and leadership · Chair cross-functional setup and transformation reviews; maintain clear decisions, risks, dependencies, owners and escalation routes. · Provide concise executive advice on progress against outcomes, unresolved choices and readiness to proceed. · Direct assigned teams, advisers or delivery partners within the approved structure and agreed scope. Decision scope Accountable for integrating the assigned OpCo setup and transformation scope, setting workstream priorities and recommending readiness or escalation decisions. Formal approvals, financial commitments, incorporation decisions and delegated authorities remain with the relevant authorised decisionmakers under the approved governance and delegation of authority. Requirements Qualifications and experience · Bachelor's degree in business, operations, engineering, project or programme management, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification desirable. · Substantial experience leading complex operating-model, OpCo establishment, business transformation or operational mobilisation initiatives across multiple functions. · Demonstrated ability to build new capabilities, manage senior stakeholders, resolve cross-functional dependencies and move initiatives from design into operation. · Experience requirements and any professional certifications to be aligned with the HR-approved Associate Director job-family and experience framework before publication. Success measures · Approved operating model and accountable owners for the assigned OpCo setup scope. · Critical setup and transformation decisions made with dependencies and risks visibly managed. · Day-1 operating requirements met and supported by accepted readiness evidence. · Clear transfer of residual actions and service ownership into business-as-usual operations. Role-level rationale The Associate Director designation reflects cross-functional accountability for shaping and implementing OpCo operating arrangements and transformation outcomes, beyond management of a single readiness workstream. This is a proposed role design, not an assessment of an individual.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, project management or a related discipline. Master’s degree is preferred. Certifications: PMP, PRINCE2, facilities management, operational readiness, HSE, risk or programme management certification is preferred. Years of Experience: 7+ years of relevant experience in operational readiness, mobilisation, project delivery or asset activation for major or complex programmes.

1. Define operational readiness strategy, governance, standards, assurance methodology and activation decision gates for assigned portfolios. 2. Lead integrated readiness planning across people, process, technology, facilities, safety, security, commercial, regulatory and service workstreams. 3. Provide senior oversight of readiness milestones, interdependencies, risks, issues, decisions and evidence-based completion status. 4. Ensure operational requirements are embedded across design, procurement, commissioning, handover, mobilisation and opening plans. 5. Chair senior readiness reviews and direct recovery plans for critical gaps that may affect safety, compliance, customer experience or activation dates. 6. Oversee operating model, workforce, training, SOP, OS&E, technology, facilities and service mobilisation readiness. 7. Provide governance for permits, licenses and regulatory interfaces, ensuring accountable teams maintain clear ownership and timely delivery. 8. Advise executive leadership on readiness status, activation options, residual risks and required decisions. 9. Lead assurance reviews, inspections, rehearsals and operational trials, and recommend readiness to proceed through key stage gates. 10. Oversee consultants, contractors and operators supporting readiness, ensuring clear scope, quality, schedule and accountability. 11. Build team capability through direction, coaching, performance management and consistent quality standards. 12. Champion continuous improvement, lessons learned and standardization across the operational readiness function.