Operational Readiness Specialist

Project Overview:

ASARCO has initiated a multi-year expansion of its Concentrator and Tailings Storage Facility, representing a multi-billion-dollar capital investment. The program began in 2024 and is expected to continue through 2030, encompassing feasibility, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, ramp-up, and final project closeout.

Position Summary

ASARCO is seeking an experienced Operational Readiness Specialist to lead and coordinate all operational readiness activities supporting the successful transition from project execution to steady-state operations.

Reporting to the Project Director, the Operational Readiness Specialist serves as a key member of the Owner's team and works closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, maintenance, procurement, IT, and external partners. This role ensures that people, processes, systems, facilities, and governance structures are fully prepared to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant startup and sustained operations.

The successful candidate will bring strong processing plant experience, cross-functional leadership capability, and a structured approach to readiness planning and execution within heavy industrial or mining environments.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and execute operational readiness plans to support the deployment and commissioning of concentrator and tailings storage facility.
• Assess existing workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and facilitate training and documentation to ensure all staff are prepared for operations.
• Conduct readiness reviews, verify system and equipment functionality, and manage pre-launch checklists.
• Define readiness criteria, milestones, and acceptance gates
• Create comprehensive readiness plans aligned with project timelines
• Establish go-live checklists and transition plans
• Work closely with the project teams, current concentrator operations, mining operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT departments to ensure all operational requirements are satisfied.
• Monitor progress and report on readiness milestones, addressing any issues or risks that may impact operational startup.
• Facilitate readiness workshops and stakeholder reviews
• Act as the central point of coordination for operational launch activities
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance, ensuring all relevant policies and procedures are communicated and adhered to.
• Support the transition to operations by providing ongoing guidance and troubleshooting during initial implementation phases.
• Perform other duties as assigned to facilitate operational readiness and ensure a smooth transition to operations.
• Ensure SOPs, policies, and documentation are complete and approved
• Identify resource and staffing requirements, ensure training materials are developed and delivered and validate competency and readiness of operational teams

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in engineering or a related field, plus at least 15 years of experience in processing plant, systems, project, and terminology, OR
• High school diploma and 20 years' experience in project and processing plant management, including relevant systems, and terminology.

Required Competencies

• Proven experience supporting large-scale capital projects transitioning into operations.
• Strong knowledge of processing plant operations, commissioning, and startup processes.
• Experience managing or coordinating cross-functional operational teams.
• Strong understanding of safety systems, maintenance strategies, and operational governance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex project environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong commitment to safety leadership and operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal mining operations, including familiarity with hydrometallurgy and concentrating processes.
• Experience working within EPC/EPCM project delivery models.
• Experience implementing asset management or maintenance management systems.
• Familiarity with operational readiness frameworks for large industrial facilities.
• Proficiency in relevant plant design or operational software platforms.

NOTICE TO TEMPORARY STAFFING AGENCIES, PLACEMENT SERVICES, AND PROFESSIONAL RECRUITERS

ASARCO LLC maintains an internal recruiting department and manages its own recruitment processes directly.


Unless ASARCO LLC has entered into a formal agreement with your organization, unsolicited submissions of résumés, candidate profiles, or recruiting services will not be accepted or considered , and no fees will be paid in connection with such submissions.

If your firm believes it has an approved agreement or seeks to establish one, please contact ASARCO LLC Human Resources department for verification prior to engaging in any recruiting activity.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially, and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen (hair analysis).

ASARCO LLC offers an excellent low cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.