Operations Readiness Manager in Mesa, Arizona at Allied Graphite

Allied Graphite is a U.S.-based developer of advanced graphite processing technology focused on the production of battery-grade graphite materials for lithium-ion batteries and other industrial applications. Our proprietary processes are designed to deliver high-quality graphite products with a strong emphasis on efficiency, scalability, and performance.

The Company operates a pilot-scale facility in Mesa, Arizona and is advancing its technology toward commercial deployment in North America. In support of our development strategy, Allied Graphite maintains a long-term supply relationship with Graphcoa, a graphite developer in Brazil also backed by Appian, providing a consistent source of natural flake graphite concentrate to support planned commercial operations.

We offer a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees contribute directly to innovative technology, commercial growth, and the advancement of next-generation materials solutions.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for developing and executing a staged operational delivery strategy across three progressive project investments: a Pilot Plant (Mesa, AZ), Commercial Prototype, and a P1 Commercial Facility. This role ensures that people, processes, systems, assets, and infrastructure are prepared to safely start up, ramp up, and sustain operations at each phase.

The Operations Readiness Manager serves as the critical interface between Project and Operations teams, building the operating organization while simultaneously preparing the facility for startup.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Readiness Strategy

• Develop and maintain the overall Operations Readiness Strategy across all project phases
• Define operational capability requirements and readiness criteria for each facility phase
• Build and maintain the integrated Operations Readiness Plan and execution roadmap
• Capture and incorporate lessons learned from each startup phase into subsequent phases

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and maintain the master Operations Readiness Integrated Schedule
• Integrate readiness activities with engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, recruitment, and training schedules
• Identify critical path activities and lead re-planning in response to project impacts

Organizational & Workforce Readiness

• Design the operating model, organization structure, and staffing requirements for each facility phase
• Develop role descriptions, competency frameworks, shift structures, and workforce mobilization plans
• Establish succession and capability development plans to support facility growth

Training & Competency Development

• Develop phased training strategies aligned with facility maturity and operational complexity
• Define competency frameworks, qualification programs, and certification requirements for operators, supervisors, maintenance, laboratory, and technical personnel
• Establish training records and competency management systems

Operational Documentation & Maintenance Readiness

• Coordinate development and approval of all operating, startup, shutdown, emergency, and safety procedures (SOPs, LOTO, confined space, etc.)
• Develop maintenance readiness strategies including FMEA, preventive/predictive maintenance programs, spare parts strategies, and CMMS implementation
• Ensure equipment master data, BOMs, and maintenance plans are complete prior to startup

Commissioning & Startup Support

• Support commissioning and startup activities; lead readiness reviews prior to each handover milestone
• Ensure operational teams are prepared to receive and operate systems at each phase transition

Completions & Handover Management

• Ensure all readiness documentation is complete prior to operational acceptance
• Lead readiness reviews and sign-off activities ahead of each startup and production handover
• Coordinate completion and resolution of outstanding items required for operational acceptance

IPM & Readiness Governance

• Monitor readiness progress against approved schedules and milestones; lead executive readiness reporting
• Facilitate readiness reviews, stage-gate assessments, and cross-functional readiness workshops
• Contribute to risk registers and mitigation plans; protect operational scope and schedule requirements

Ramp-Up & Production Support

• Lead operational readiness activities throughout production ramp-up across all facility phases
• Coordinate rapid response teams to address startup issues, including punch list items, equipment defects, and process improvements
• Monitor ramp-up KPIs and production stabilization metrics; capture and implement lessons learned for subsequent phases

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• 15+ years in chemical processing, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, battery materials, hydrometallurgy, industrial minerals, or comparable continuous process industries
• 10+ years in operations management, including responsibility for production, workforce leadership, and operational performance in continuous process facilities
• Demonstrated experience in operational readiness, project-to-operations transition, and startup ramp-up preparation
• Experience in greenfield project development and phased facility expansions
• Prior roles as Operations Manager, Commissioning Manager, Maintenance Manager, or Operations Readiness Manager on major industrial projects
• Experience as an Owner's Representative working with an Engineering Service Provider
• Hands-on experience implementing CMMS systems (SAP PM, Fiix, or similar) and completions management systems
• Participation in or leadership of HAZOP studies, PSSR reviews, MOC processes, RCM, and FMEA programs

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)

WHY ALLIED GRAPHITE?

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up -- designing the operational organization, processes, and systems for a facility that will play a meaningful role in North American battery supply chain development. You will work alongside a focused, experienced team in a collaborative environment where your contributions have direct impact.