--- title: 'Operational Readiness Project Manager at CAI' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/operational-readiness-project-manager-cai-indianapolis-7wfdtw89fp51' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-09' --- # Operational Readiness Project Manager at CAI - **Company:** CAI - **Location:** Indianapolis, IN - **Compensation:** $140k–$175k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2025-07-11 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/cagents/c3f0de2b-31c4-4f32-898d-f1910520f744 ## Job description CAI Overview: Are You Ready? CAI is a professional services company established in 1996 that has grown to over 700 people worldwide. We provide program and project management, commissioning, qualification, validation, start-up, and other consulting services associated with operational readiness and operational excellence to FDA-regulated and other mission-critical industries. We put our clients’ interests first, we do not stop until it is right, and we will do whatever it takes to get there. At CAI, we are committed to living our Foundational Principles: We act with integrity We serve each other We serve society We work for our future We believe that with employee ownership, one person’s success is everyone’s success. We embrace a Team Before Self mindset, demonstrate Respect for Others, and maintain a Can-Do Attitude—our three core values. Position Overview: The Operational Readiness Project Manager (ORPM) serves as a strategic leader bridging the gap between mechanical completion and sustained operational performance. The ORPM designs and leads holistic Operational Readiness programs using CAI’s six-pillar Readiness Framework. This role ensures project teams achieve right-first-time metrics, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver world-class performance from day one. Key Responsibilities: 1. Project & Program Leadership - Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives. - Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1–3 client engagements simultaneously. - Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs. 1. Pillar Integration & Execution - Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams. - Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving). 1. Client Advisory - Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.). - Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset. 1. People Development - Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors. - Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth. 1. Thought Leadership -Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools. Skills & Characteristics Required: - Consulting & Facilitation - Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals. - Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership. - Project Execution - Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout. - Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery. - Continuous Improvement - Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies. Qualifications and Experience: - BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent). - 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or - 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations. (Black Belt or equivalent preferred.) - Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience. - Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics. - Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. - Proficient in project management software tools. Other Requirements: - Excellent written and verbal English communication. - Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future. - Domestic and international travel may be required. - Willing to work overtime when necessary. - PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus. Critical Competencies Influence Strategy - Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies. - Identifies innovative solutions to challenges that have strategic impact, balancing both short- and long-term concerns. - Identifies issues related to emerging customer and market needs. Satisfy the Customer - Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs. - Develops solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations and shares feedback with relevant groups. - Consistently follows up with customers to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty. - Continually searches for ways to improve customer service, including removal of barriers and providing solutions. Plan for Success - Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups. - Obtains and allocates resources needed to accomplish goals. - Anticipates risk and builds effective contingency plans. Pursue Execution - Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals. - Holds self and others accountable for achieving outcomes. - Anticipates obstacles and takes appropriate actions to accelerate work or improve quality. Tailor Communication - Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally. - Tailors communication style and content to audience effectively. - Writes technical concepts clearly and thoroughly for all audience types. Build Partnerships - Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization. - Builds collaboration by identifying and conveying common interests and priorities, removing barriers, and breaking down silos. - Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them. - Maintains positive relationships regardless of challenges, organizational level, personality, or background differences. Influence Others - Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions. - Builds a broad base of support among key decision makers and influencers. - Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others. - Encourages others to find new solutions that improve outcomes and deliver value. Develop Self and Others - Continuously develops interpersonal skills to build effective internal and external relationships. - Models company values and always acts with integrity. - Looks for opportunities to develop breakthrough ideas and initiatives. We are an equal opportunity employer; we are proud to employ veterans and promote diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Diversity is a strength for our global company. We pledge that CAI will be operated in a way that is fair and equitable to all – our employees, our customers, and the broader society. This job description is not all inclusive and you may be asked to do other duties. CAI will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Act (FCA) / Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO). ## About CAI ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: CAI is a global professional services firm that accelerates operational readiness and excellence for life sciences and mission-critical facilities through commissioning, validation, engineering, and digital transformation expertise. - **Entity Type**: Private (Privately Held; raised a venture round in May 2026) - **Headquarters**: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States - **Founded**: 1996 - **Founders**: Not publicly available ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Life Sciences (pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device manufacturing) and Mission Critical (data centers, high-tech facilities) - **Target customers**: B2B – enterprise-level pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, data center operators, and regulated manufacturers - **Mission or purpose statement**: “Making what’s next possible” by delivering precision, efficiency, and innovation through commissioning, qualification, validation, and operational readiness services. ## Products & Services For each major offering: - **Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q)**: End-to-end commissioning and qualification services for new and modified facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational readiness. - **Validation Services**: Computer Systems Validation (CSV), cleaning validation, process validation, and equipment validation for life sciences clients. - **Automation & Digital Transformation**: Automation engineering, digital twin solutions, and technology integration to improve facility performance and data integrity. - **Building Commissioning**: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing commissioning for mission-critical buildings, including data centers and commercial facilities. - **Human Performance & Operational Excellence**: Consulting and training programs to reduce human error, improve safety, and optimize asset management. - **Project Management**: Owner’s project management and full-scale operations support for complex capital projects. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private) - **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of ~$10.2M (as of latest available data); Total Funding – venture round raised in May 2026 (amount undisclosed, 1 investor) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: One venture investor (May 2026 round); strategic partnerships with technology vendors (unspecified) and participation in industry bodies such as ASHRAE, ASTM, BCA, and ISPE. - **Growth Signals**: - Employee headcount of 562, up 2.6% YoY - LinkedIn followers surged 72.3% over the past year, indicating strong brand interest - 84 active job postings globally - Offices in 5 countries (US, Ireland, Singapore, China, Australia) and operations across 21 countries - Clients include top pharma firms (Pfizer, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Thermo Fisher Scientific) ## Competitive Advantages - **30 years of deep domain expertise** in highly regulated environments, giving CAI a track record that few competitors can match. - **Elite, credentialed talent** – team members are active in nearly 30 professional societies and help set industry standards (ASHRAE, ISPE, ASTM, BCA). - **Global footprint with local delivery** – ability to support multinational clients across the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. - **End-to-end lifecycle support** – from commissioning and validation to digital transformation and operational excellence – reducing handoff risks. - **Strong alumni pipeline to/from top pharma** – CAI attracts talent from Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, and others, signaling deep industry credibility. ## Strategic Focus - **Investing in Digital Transformation** – leveraging digital twin technology and automation to drive efficiency for clients. - **Expanding Mission Critical Services** – actively hiring Data Center Commissioning Project Managers and Engineers in the US and Europe. - **Sustainability Integration** – weaving green building practices (LEED, Net Zero Energy) into all client engagements. - **Talent Development** – emphasizing top-tier training and career progression to retain high-knowledge employees. ## Why Work Here - **Culture of teamwork and continuous improvement** – employee testimonials highlight a supportive team environment and commitment to process excellence. - **Global, varied projects** – work on high-impact projects for leading pharma and data center clients across 21 countries. - **Clear career growth** – career/professional development opportunities, exposure to multiple disciplines (validation, automation, commissioning, human performance). - **Benefits package** – comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, competitive 401(k) contribution, income protection, and additional local-region benefits. - **Remote/hybrid/office policy** – roles vary; many positions are client-site based (e.g., commissioning engineers travel to data centers or manufacturing sites). Some office locations available. - **Engineering culture** – strong focus on quality, problem-solving, and precision; ideal for engineers, validation specialists, and project managers who thrive in regulated environments. ## Sources 1. [caiready.com](https://caiready.com/) – Company homepage and about page 2. [caiready.com/about](https://caiready.com/about/) – Company history and mission 3. [caiready.com/careers](https://caiready.com/careers/) – Careers page with benefits and culture 4. [linkedin.com/company/caiconnected](https://linkedin.com/company/caiconnected) – LinkedIn company profile and employee data 5. [jobs.lever.co/cagents](https://jobs.lever.co/cagents) – Active job postings ## Other roles at CAI - [CQV Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/cqv-engineer-cai-amsterdam-cp814ksz0vxb) — Amsterdam, Netherlands - [Senior Global Director - Tax and Audit](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-global-director-tax-and-audit-cai-dublin-3cr77tdy24vm) — Dublin, Ireland - [Senior Global Director - Tax and Audit](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-global-director-tax-and-audit-cai-united-states-dh3f0basmwf1) — United States - [Proposal Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/proposal-manager-cai-united-states-8s447gxye3m7) — United States - [Sterility assurance engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/sterility-assurance-engineer-cai-italy-v1w7sebn6ah8) — Italy - [Senior Quality, Compliance, and Regulatory Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-quality-compliance-and-regulatory-engineer-cai-boston-wqpcnts79b74) — Boston, MA - [Computer Systems Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/computer-systems-validation-engineer-cai-boston-j8a4qbsg4zf4) — Boston, MA - [Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/validation-engineer-cai-elkton-1p46ag7kd315) — Elkton, VA - [Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/validation-engineer-cai-philadelphia-hs5zxwe7zcq5) — Philadelphia, PA - [Entry Level Validation Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/entry-level-validation-engineer-cai-columbus-167kx1ry2xz6) — Columbus, OH