Director of Operational Readiness

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC • Hopkins, SC

5d • $144,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operational Readiness provides strategic leadership for transitioning a new nuclear fuel fabrication facility from construction and commissioning to safe, compliant, and sustainable commercial operation. You will be the primary contact between the project organization, site operations, and corporate functions to ensure systems, processes, and personnel are prepared for startup. You will establish readiness strategy, governance, performance metrics and processes while resolving risks that could impact startup, regulatory compliance, nuclear safety, quality, or operational performance. You will report to the Senior Site Director and be located at Columbia, SC. You will support this role 100% onsite.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operational readiness, manufacturing operations, startup programs, regulatory compliance, or related functions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in highly regulated industries such as nuclear, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, power generation, or similar environments.
• Experience supporting major capital projects, facility commissioning, startup activities, or large-scale operational transformations.
• Expertise in strategic planning, risk management, workforce readiness, and operational program implementation.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a related discipline.
• Experience supporting the startup or expansion of a licensed nuclear facility.
• NRC-regulated operational experience.
• Knowledge of nuclear safety culture, operational excellence systems, and regulatory compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the site's Operational Readiness Plan, including milestones, readiness criteria, governance processes, and performance metrics.
• Direct readiness assessments, management reviews, risk evaluations, and startup decision recommendations.
• Be the primary operational liaison with project leadership during commissioning, system turnover, startup planning, and operational acceptance.
• Lead the structured transition of facility ownership from project execution to operations.
• Ensure readiness activities support NRC requirements, license conditions, quality commitments, environmental regulations, and customer obligations.
• Lead preparation for inspections, audits, readiness reviews, and startup authorization activities.
• Champion a strong nuclear safety culture emphasizing operational discipline, procedural compliance, human performance, and conservative decision-making.
• Define organizational structure, staffing strategies, leadership accountability, and workforce readiness requirements.
• Partner with HR and functional leaders to execute hiring, onboarding, training, and qualification programs.
• Oversee implementation of key operational programs, including Conduct of Operations, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Emergency Preparedness, Configuration Management, Security, and Corrective Action Programs.
• Establish readiness risk management processes, gap closure plans, and performance indicators.
• Escalate issues that could impact startup, safety, compliance, quality, or operational performance.
• Lead a cross-functional readiness organization while driving alignment across operations, engineering, quality, licensing, EHS, supply chain, HR, and corporate functions.
• Provide executive-level reporting and recommendations to site and company leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options
• Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members
• 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement
• Paid Vacations and Company Holidays
• Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance
• Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers
• Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service
• Employee Referral Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director