Operational Readiness Lead

Must be willing to travel onsite in S Cal on occasionJob TitleOperational Readiness Lead – Oracle ERP ImplementationJob SummaryThe Operational Readiness Lead will ensure the business, finance, and operational functions are fully prepared to adopt and sustainably operate a new Oracle General Ledger as part of a broader ERP transformation.Taking end to end ownership of Readiness focused on Business readiness but working with Technology & Data combining engagement, focused on cut-over, Hyper care, contingency planning, Go-Live and post Go-Live support into day‑one operational success, ensuring controls, processes, people, and governance are ready for go‑live and beyond.Work with 3rd Party Solution Providers and Implementation partners to plan, design and execute the Project Readiness .Scope – The role is accountable for end‑to‑end operational readiness across close, reporting, controls, and post‑go‑live stabilization for the Oracle ERP. Defining & implementing the following based on Senior Leaders’ requirements. Owning and driving PL’s readiness and be the Readiness contact throughout Blue final Go-Live approach. Tracking the Business readiness end to end and the related dependencies to ensure they are actively managed . Ensuring timely collation of programme resource demand and ensure this meets the budget, reviewing monthly with key Sponsors/Stakeholders and being the escalation point for resolution resourcing issues that may impact delivery of Blue goals .Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Readiness & Go‑Live PreparationLead operational readiness planning for the Oracle ERP, including readiness criteria, exit gates, and cutover dependenciesDefine and execute a structured readiness framework covering people, process, data, controls, and technologyPartner with Finance, Accounting, Internal Controls, Tax, Actuarial, FP&A, and IT to confirm operational sign‑off prior to go‑liveIdentify, track, and mitigate readiness risks affecting close, reporting, or complianceFinance Process & Controls EnablementTranslate Oracle ERP design into end‑to‑end accounting and close processes, including journal entry, reconciliation, subledger integration, and reportingEnsure Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) and internal control requirements are embedded in new processesCoordinate control design validation, walkthroughs, and audit readiness activitiesSupport development of close calendars, roles, handoffs, and escalation modelsChange, Training & AdoptionPartner with Change Management to ensure role‑based readiness for accounting, controllership, and finance operationsDefine operational training needs specific to Oracle ERP processes and close activitiesValidate that training, job aids, and procedures enable Day‑1 execution without workaroundsAct as a trusted advisor to Finance leaders during transition and stabilizationData, Cutover & StabilizationSupport GL‑specific data conversion readiness, including opening balances and historical data dependenciesParticipate in cutover planning to ensure operational tasks are sequenced and ownedLead or support post‑go‑live hypercare focused on GL stability, close performance, and defect triageEstablish readiness metrics and post‑go‑live performance monitoringGovernance & Stakeholder ManagementServe as the primary operational readiness point of contact for Oracle GLProvide concise readiness status, risks, and decision points to program leadership and SteerCoAlign readiness outcomes with program milestones, testing cycles, and release plansRequired Qualifications10+ years of experience in Finance Operations, Accounting, ERP implementation, or Finance TransformationHands‑on experience with Oracle General ERP (Cloud preferred)Strong knowledge of accounting close, financial reporting, and internal controlsProven experience preparing organizations for ERP go‑live readinessAbility to work across Finance, IT, and Business teams with minimal directionExceptional communication skills with senior finance and program leadershipPreferred QualificationsPrior experience in large‑scale Oracle ERP or Finance ERP implementationsSOX or internal controls design/testing experienceExperience working in matrixed, enterprise transformation programsBackground in controllership, accounting operations, or auditFamiliarity with broader Oracle Financials (AP, AR, FA, SLA)Key CompetenciesOperational rigor and attention to detailStructured thinker with a strong bias toward executionRisk identification and mitigationComfortable operating in ambiguity and changeTrusted partner to Finance leadershipSuccess Measures (First 12–18 Months)Oracle GL go‑live with no material operational, close, or control failuresFinance teams able to execute close and reporting with minimal hypercare relianceReadiness risks identified early and transparently managedSmooth transition from implementation team to steady‑state operationsKey Deliverable (Artifacts) Business Readiness approach document with a defined plan integrated with overall Programme plan covering Readiness of Business and enabling Technology & DataHyper Care approach, process and operate model including flip between Primary (Project) & Secondary Support (BAU) mode (all teams), switch and close processGate Process for Readiness and Progressing with clear criteria at each gate (final prep, cut-over, entry/exit to hyper care)Oversee Knowledge Transfer and Transition to external partnersIndividual Cut-over plans consolidated into a single Cut-over Plan (covering Business and Technical activitie by each system component Service Design & Transition PlanningImplement an integrated Business & Technology Support Model (Operate Model not just Orgainisational design)) Provide high-level updates to multiple stakeholders, including Business Sponsors, Steering Groups, Service Partners, and Operational teams .