Ready to Operate (RTO) Manager
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Pay: $50 – $70/hour
Per Diem: $178/day worked
Travel: Open to travelers
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Overview
The RTO Manager is responsible for ensuring a large-scale industrial project reaches full operational readiness at the point of handover from project execution to operations. This role coordinates across engineering, construction, commissioning, maintenance, and operations to ensure systems, people, processes, and equipment are fully prepared for safe, reliable, and compliant startup.
This position serves as the key bridge between project teams and operations, ensuring readiness for startup, early production, and long-term sustainment.
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Key Responsibilities
Operational Readiness Planning
• Develop and manage the overall operational readiness (OR) plan aligned with project milestones
• Define scope, objectives, KPIs, and deliverables
• Coordinate readiness across engineering, construction, HSE, maintenance, and operations
Project & Engineering Coordination
• Partner with engineering and commissioning teams to ensure:
o Systemization and commissioning readiness
o Completion of turnover documentation and as-built drawings
• Review vendor/OEM requirements and ensure readiness alignment
Commissioning & Startup Support
• Align commissioning plans with operational needs
• Define handover procedures for systems and subsystems
• Engage operations personnel during testing and commissioning
Operations Preparation
• Ensure readiness of:
o Staffing and organizational structure
o Training programs (OEM, classroom, field)
o SOPs and emergency procedures
o Maintenance strategies and spare parts planning
• Oversee development of work permits, LOTO, and safety processes
Asset & Maintenance Readiness
• Ensure CMMS/EAM systems are fully built out with:
o Asset hierarchy
o Maintenance plans
o Spare parts and BOM data
• Verify availability of tools and operational spares
HSE & Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements:
o Risk assessments and hazard analyses
o Environmental permitting
o Pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR)
Documentation & Handover
• Ensure all documentation is complete (O&M manuals, vendor docs, training records)
• Lead development of the operations handover package
• Support transition to stable operations
Governance & Stakeholder Management
• Lead readiness reviews and report progress
• Identify risks and drive mitigation plans
• Coordinate with external stakeholders as needed
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Qualifications
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred
• 10+ years of industrial project experience
• 5+ years in commissioning, operations, maintenance, or project leadership
• Experience supporting operational readiness or facility startup
Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of commissioning, plant operations, and maintenance strategies
• Experience with CMMS/EAM systems (e.g., SAP)
• Knowledge of HSE standards, LOTO, and permitting
• Ability to interpret schedules and technical drawings
Leadership
• Strong planning, coordination, and leadership skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
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Additional Details
• Full-time, onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA
• Open to local candidates and travelers