
Operations & Maintenance Readiness Manager - Aviation
- Riyadh
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead the development and implementation of the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) strategy for the project.
- Develop comprehensive O&M readiness plans, checklists, procedures, and KPIs for successful airport operations handover.
- Coordinate integration of systems, facilities, and procedures to ensure readiness at commissioning.
- Serve as the central liaison between design, construction, engineering, regulatory bodies, airport operators, airline partners, ground handling, and other stakeholders.
- Manage stakeholder alignment workshops, interface meetings, and simulation exercises.
- Ensure all operational stakeholders are aligned and fully prepared for day-one operations.
- Lead operational trials, scenario testing, and simulation exercises to validate readiness of systems, people, and processes.
- Identify and rectify gaps in operational planning or resource allocation.
- Coordinate commissioning and handover of systems with construction and engineering teams.
- Ensure that all facilities and systems are handed over with complete asset information, maintenance manuals, and digital records.
- Develop the preventive maintenance plan for all airport infrastructure and systems in collaboration with the asset management team.
- Support implementation of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for ongoing operations.
- Lead the development of training programs for airport staff, operators, and support teams on operational procedures and emergency response.
- Conduct readiness assessments and gap analyses for staffing, recruitment, and skills readiness.
- Work with HR and department leads to ensure complete team mobilization prior to operational launch.
- Ensure full compliance with aviation authority standards (ICAO, DGCA, FAA) for all operational processes.
- Implement safety and emergency preparedness plans in alignment with airport security protocols.
- Collaborate with audit and certification agencies for inspections, trials, and operational licensing.
- Maintain detailed documentation of all O&M readiness activities, including schedules, reports, trial outcomes, and compliance records.
- Provide regular progress updates to senior leadership, project management teams, and external stakeholders.
- Prepare final readiness reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Identify operational risks and establish contingency and escalation plans to mitigate impact.
- Monitor readiness milestones and proactively resolve roadblocks to ensure project continuity.
- Facilitate post-operational reviews and lead lessons-learned sessions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Airport Management, Operations Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or certifications in ORAT, Facilities Management, or Airport Operations are preferred.
- Minimum 15 years of experience in airport operations, infrastructure projects, or facilities management.
- At least 5 years in senior roles managing large airport or transportation hub readiness or commissioning.
- Proven expertise in ORAT methodology, airport systems integration, and O&M planning.
- Deep understanding of airport systems (BHS, AGL, HVAC, IT, security systems) and international aviation regulations.
- Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and program management skills.
- Proficiency in readiness tools, CMMS, and project reporting systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-pressure deadlines and cross-functional teams.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, ORAT Practitioner, or Facility Management (CFM, FMP).
- Experience with the commissioning and start-up of greenfield airport projects.
- Knowledge of smart airport technologies and integrated digital platforms.
- Familiarity with sustainability standards and asset lifecycle planning.
- Prior experience working in multi-national, multicultural environments.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to align operations planning with budget forecasts.