Job Title:
Ready To Operate (RTO) Manager
Location:
Cedar Rapids, IA
Pay:
$50–$65/hour

$150/day per diem (7 days/week)

Overview:
The RTO Manager is responsible for ensuring a large-scale industrial project reaches full operational readiness at the point of handover from the project team to operations. This role serves as the bridge between project execution and ongoing operations, ensuring systems, personnel, procedures, and equipment are fully prepared for safe, efficient, and compliant Day One operations.

Key Responsibilities
Operational Readiness Planning

Develop and maintain the Operational Readiness (OR) and RTO master plan aligned with project milestones
Define scope, objectives, KPIs, and deliverables
Coordinate readiness efforts across engineering, construction, safety, maintenance, and operations

Project & Engineering Coordination

Partner with engineering and commissioning teams to ensure:

System breakdown structure (systems/subsystems)
Commissioning plans and turnover packages
Completion of as-built drawings and engineering documentation

Evaluate vendor and OEM requirements

Commissioning & Start-Up Support

Align commissioning activities with operational needs
Support system handover processes
Ensure operations team involvement in commissioning and testing phases

Operations Preparation

Ensure readiness of:

Staffing and organizational structure
Training programs (OEM, classroom, field)
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Emergency response plans
Maintenance strategies and spare parts planning

Oversee development of safety programs (LOTO, permits, isolation procedures)

Asset & Maintenance Readiness

Ensure systems (CMMS/EAM) are fully set up with:

Asset hierarchy
Preventative maintenance plans
Spare parts and BOM data

Confirm availability of tools and operational resources

HSE & Compliance

Ensure all safety and environmental requirements are met
Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses
Support startup safety reviews (PSSR)
Maintain compliance with regulatory standards

Documentation & Handover

Ensure completeness of operational and maintenance documentation
Lead creation of the operations handover package
Support transition to stable operations

Governance & Reporting

Lead readiness reviews and provide updates to leadership
Communicate risks and mitigation plans
Coordinate with external stakeholders (regulators, auditors, consultants)