Strategic Operational Readiness Lead

Qiddiya; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya in Riyadh seeks a Senior Operational Readiness Lead to translate strategic objectives into integrated plans for people, processes, systems and facilities. You will mobilise assets, coordinate stakeholders and ensure readiness for activation across complex programmes.

The role requires 5–7 years in operational readiness or related fields, with PMP/PRINCE2 or similar certifications preferred. Masters is a plus and governance experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, project management or related discipline.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in operational readiness, mobilisation, project delivery or asset activation for complex programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of integrated operational readiness strategies, plans, schedules and governance frameworks.
• Own readiness reporting for assigned scopes, including milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, decisions and evidence of completion.
• Coordinate operational requirements with project delivery and ensure readiness needs are reflected in design, commissioning and handover activities.
• Drive development and assurance of operating models, SOPs, workforce, training, OS&E, technology, facilities and service mobilisation plans.
• Lead cross-functional readiness reviews, workshops, inspections, rehearsals, trials and activation decision gates.
• Oversee permit, licence 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, and escalat material blockers requiring leadership decisions.
• Manage consultants and service providers within assigned scope, including deliverable quality, schedule and performance.
• Provide direction, coaching and quality review to readiness team members and workstream owners.
• Lead lessons learned and continuous improvement of operational readiness processes, tools and standards.

Skills

Operational readiness

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Governance

Risk management

Executive reporting

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in operations management

Bachelor's degree in project management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

PMP

PRINCE2

Facilities management cert

HSE certification

Risk management certification

Job description

Qiddiya in Riyadh seeks a Senior Operational Readiness Lead to translate strategic objectives into integrated plans for people, processes, systems and facilities. You will mobilise assets, coordinate stakeholders and ensure readiness for activation across complex programmes.

The role requires 5–7 years in operational readiness or related fields, with PMP/PRINCE2 or similar certifications preferred. Masters is a plus and governance experience is valued.