Demo

Operational Readiness Lead

Hudbay Minerals U.S. Business Unit
Sahuarita, AZ Full Time
POSTED ON 4/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/14/2026
Role Title

Operational Readiness Lead

Reports To

Operational Readiness Manager

Job Type

Full-time, Regular

Location:

Helvetia, AZ

About Hudbay

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Mission

To create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging our core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

This role will be located at the Copper World Project, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Tucson near Sahuarita, Arizona.

Purpose Of Role

The Operational Readiness Lead is responsible for driving the execution and coordination of Operational Readiness activities across all functional areas. This role ensures that people, processes, systems, and assets are fully prepared for a safe startup and efficient ramp-up of the Copper World Project. The lead acts as the primary execution interface between Project, Operations, and functional teams to ensure alignment with project milestones and a seamless transition from construction to operations.

Role Accountabilities

Operational Readiness Execution

  • Lead the execution of the Operational Readiness Execution Plan (OREP) and coordinate readiness activities across mining, processing, maintenance, HSE, supply chain, and systems.
  • Coordinate field-based activities aligned with construction and commissioning schedules.
  • Verify systems and infrastructure readiness prior to handover.
  • Manage the interface between Construction → Commissioning → Operations, ensuring all documentation, procedures, and resources are in place for startup.
  • Track deliverables and resolve execution constraints for functional workstreams including training, maintenance, and operational systems.

Assurance and Systems Coordination

  • Conduct readiness assessments, monitor KPIs, and drive corrective actions to ensure no critical gaps exist at startup.
  • Support the implementation of CMMS, HSE, and operational systems while ensuring all operating and maintenance procedures are complete and aligned with as-built conditions.
  • Coordinate training and competency development with functional managers to ensure the workforce is ready for ramp-up and mobilization.
  • Monitor progress and cost associated with the Operational Readiness Execution Plan (OREP).

Stakeholder Alignment and Reporting

  • Facilitate OR coordination meetings and workshops between the Project team, Operations team, and functional managers.
  • Provide regular progress updates, risk assessments, and dashboard maintenance for the Operational Readiness Manager.
  • Provide leadership across cross-functional readiness activities and promote accountability across teams.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and cross-functional collaboration.

Minimum Qualifications And Education

Experience and Education

  • A degree in Engineering, Metallurgy, or a related discipline is required.
  • 10 years in mining or heavy industrial projects.
  • Experience in greenfield project execution.
  • Experience in commissioning, startup, and handover.
  • Field-based project experience.

Technical And Leadership Skills

  • Strong understanding of mining and processing plants, construction-commissioning interfaces, and OR methodologies.
  • Familiarity with CMMS, ERP, and control systems.
  • Strong execution and field leadership skills.
  • Ability to manage complex project environments and excellence in problem-solving and stakeholder management.
  • Effective demonstration of good working knowledge of modern safety systems.

Work Environment And Other Requirements

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced field environment.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Primary responsibility for ensuring work is conducted within all required safety procedures and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Current MSHA

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements

Physical – The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment – The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.

Employee will be expected to drive a company vehicle, rental vehicle and/or his/her own vehicle in the course of performing the job. Employee must be able to perform the physical functions of operating a motor vehicle, including use of eyes, ears, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Employee must be able to prove that he/she has a current and valid driver's license.

Why Hudbay?

  • At Hudbay, our values of Dignity & Respect, Caring, Openness, and Trustworthiness are embedded into our culture by the way we work and how we interact with one another.
  • We pride ourselves in providing our employees with competitive total rewards that include:
    • Annual performance bonuses
    • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
    • Company paid Life insurance, AD&D, Short- & Long-term Disability.
    • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
    • An Employee Share Purchase Plan with contribution matching
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay.
  • Regular performance appraisals to acknowledge our employees for their contributions, strengths and work well done.
Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates may be required to undergo educational and criminal background checks. Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a physical and drug screening.

Salary.com Estimation for Operational Readiness Lead in Sahuarita, AZ
$147,452 to $192,746
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