Operational Readiness Project Manager

Operational Readiness Project Manager

CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown to over 700 people worldwide. We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries.

We put our clients' interests first, we do not stop until it is right, and we will do whatever it takes to get there.

At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles: We act with integrity, we serve each other, we serve society, we work for our future. We believe that with employee ownership, one person's success is everyone's success. We embrace a Team Before Self mindset, demonstrate Respect for Others, and maintain a Can-Do Attitude —our three core values.

The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap between mechanical completion and sustained operational performance. The ORPM designs and leads holistic Operational Readiness programs using CAI's six-pillar Readiness Framework. This role ensures project teams achieve right-first-time metrics, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver world-class performance from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives.
• Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1–3 client engagements simultaneously.
• Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs.
• Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams.
• Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving).
• Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.).
• Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset.
• Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors.
• Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth.
• Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools.

Skills & Characteristics Required:

• Consulting & Facilitation: Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals.
• Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership.
• Project Execution: Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout.
• Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.

Qualifications and Experience:

• BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent).
• 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or
• 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations.
• Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience.
• Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in project management software tools.

Other Requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Willing to work overtime when necessary.
• PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus.

Critical Competencies:

• Influence Strategy: Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies.
• Satisfy the Customer: Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs.
• Plan for Success: Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups.
• Pursue Execution: Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals.
• Tailor Communication: Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Build Partnerships: Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization.
• Influence Others: Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions.
• Develop Self and Others: Continuously develops interpersonal skills to build effective internal and external relationships.

$140,000 - $175,000 a year Average base salary range - not including benefits, and potential overtime and/or Cost of Living Adjustment. CAI Benefits: Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage, 24 days of Paid Time Off, Company paid Life Insurance, Company paid Long Term Disability.

We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all – our employees, our customers, and the broader society.