Operational Readiness Lead for Mining Plant Startup

Asarco Llc; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

ASARCO LLC is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Manager to lead all readiness activities for the Concentrator and Tailings Storage Facility expansion. You will collaborate with engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations to ensure a safe, reliable startup from day one.

The ideal candidate has extensive processing-plant experience, strong cross-functional leadership, and a proven track record of guiding large-scale projects through commissioning, startup, and handover.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years in processing plant operations, major capital projects, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the operational readiness strategy for the expansion project.
• Establish readiness criteria, milestones, gates, and performance measures.
• Create and manage comprehensive readiness plans aligned with schedules.
• Coordinate readiness initiatives supporting commissioning, startup, and ramp-up.
• Lead readiness reviews, risk assessments, and stakeholder alignment sessions.
• Verify facilities, equipment, processes, and documentation are startup-ready.
• Develop go-live checklists and transition management processes.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, maintenance, procurement, and IT teams.
• Monitor progress, identify gaps, and manage risks to project objectives.
• Ensure SOPs, work instructions, and policies are developed and implemented.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Safety leadership

Problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP PM

Maximo

Microsoft Office

Job description

ASARCO LLC is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Manager to lead all readiness activities for the Concentrator and Tailings Storage Facility expansion. You will collaborate with engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations to ensure a safe, reliable startup from day one.

The ideal candidate has extensive processing-plant experience, strong cross-functional leadership, and a proven track record of guiding large-scale projects through commissioning, startup, and handover.