Operations Readiness Manager

Job based in Republic, Washington, USA

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Project Director/GM, the incumbent will develop and drive the implementation of a comprehensive and integrated plan for return to operations of the Kettle River Mill and Curlew Basin Mine.   This role is critical in achieving a smooth transition between the project delivery, commissioning, and long-term operations.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Operations Readiness Plan aligned with project milestones and operational objectives.
• Ensure procedures, systems, training, and documentation (e.g., O&M manuals, start-up plans, permits) are in place and validated before handover.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of operational staff to ensure competence and alignment with project timelines.
• Establish KPIs and readiness metrics to monitor progress of the restart and report to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on readiness assessments and recommendations for improvements.
• Perform thorough assessments and inspections of operations to ensure all systems, equipment, and personnel are ready for operation.
• Implement best practices and lessons learned from previous operations to optimize readiness and performance.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and applying them throughout the restart phases.
• Deliver key operational and safety SOP's for Kinross leadership review to ensure operational readiness.
• Partner with the department leadership teams to develop schedules, employee retention and development strategies.
• Act as the key interface between the project team and the operations team to ensure seamless transition and ownership.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, and Operations teams to ensure that all operational requirements are embedded in project deliverables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• University degree in Operations Management, mining engineering, or related field.
• 12 years of related work experience, with experience in leading teams within the mining industry preferred.
• Detailed knowledge of all phases of mining and processing, along with the integration of the mining, milling/processing, and maintenance functions.
• Proven experience leading readiness programs for brownfield restarts or major capital projects.
• Experience in operations readiness, commissioning, or production operations in complex industrial projects (mining, offshore oil & gas, energy, or heavy industry).
• Strong understanding of safety (MSHA) and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, planning, and communication skills.
• Must be comfortable working in high-paced environments with evolving project dynamics.
• Demonstrates a commitment to safety, teamwork, and leadership under pressure.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Has a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.

  Leadership Practices

• Creates an environment where nothing is more important than every employee returning home safe and healthy every day.
• Creates an environment in which people are unfailingly treated with respect
• Fosters the talent and potential of all employees by enabling them to grow, develop, and make a difference in the organization.
• Demonstrates that leadership in the areas of environmental performance and community and stakeholder relations is fundamental to the way we plan and manage our business.
• Holds self and others accountable for the decisions, commitments, and behaviors required to deliver outstanding results.
• Uses judgment to manage business complexities, prioritize and balance conflicting demands to make timely decisions that best advance Kinross strategy.
• Builds and brings teams and people together to achieve organizational goals. Models’ humility by going beyond self-interest for the good of the group.
• Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and efficiently to maximize shareholder value.
• Relentlessly champions, develops and embeds best practices.