Project and Operational Readiness Manager

About the role

To lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a production project, ensuring planning, procurement, installation, commissioning and operational hand‑over within approved scope, budget, timeline, quality and safety standards. The role also oversees post‑commissioning stabilisation and performance improvement to realise operational and business benefits.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage project plans, budgets, schedules, milestones, risks and performance reports.
• Coordinate procurement activities, vendor evaluation, contract discussions, equipment manufacturing, testing, shipment and delivery.
• Supervise site preparation, equipment installation and civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and automation activities.
• Ensure compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, food‑manufacturing requirements and HSSE policies.
• Lead equipment testing, commissioning, trial production, technical issue resolution and final acceptance.
• Coordinate employee training, change management, operational readiness, documentation and hand‑over to Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Oversee post‑commissioning stabilisation and after‑sales support to achieve production capacity, efficiency, quality and cost targets.
• Provide regular project and business‑performance reports to Executive Management.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 8–10 years of project management experience in engineering or manufacturing, including at least five years leading capital equipment installation or factory expansion projects.
• Experience in equipment procurement, installation, commissioning and operational hand‑over within FMCG, food processing or related industries.
• PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent certification preferred; COREN registration desirable.

Required skills

• Proficiency with MS Project, Primavera P6, Power BI and Advanced Excel.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.