Operational Readiness Analyst (Remote)

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States.

As First Citizens Bank continues to grow and mature within the Large Financial Institution (LFI) space, we are investing in greater resilience, responsiveness, and operational discipline across our technology and business landscape. The Operational Readiness Specialist ensures that new projects, systems, processes, or facilities are fully prepared for safe, efficient, and successful operation prior to launch. This role bridges the gap between project delivery and ongoing operations, coordinating stakeholders, validating requirements, identifying risks, and confirming that all people, processes, and tools are in place for a seamless transition. The ideal candidate combines strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills with hands-on experience developing frameworks, processes and documentation that enable sustainable and resilient operations.

Readiness Planning:
Develop, maintain and execute operational readiness plans, checklists, and transition frameworks to support successful project rollout.

Lead readiness assessments to confirm that processes, documentation and systems are completed before go-live.

Coordinate readiness gates, stakeholder sign-offs, and post-implementation reviews.

Cross-Functional Coordination:
Collaborate with operations, business units, SRE teams and project teams to align deliverables, requirements, and expectations.

Risk Identification & Mitigation:
Identify operational risks, gaps, and dependencies; recommend and track mitigation actions.

Develop and track mitigation strategies that prevent disruption during deployment

Support issues resolution and provide post-launch stabilization oversight

• Process & Procedure Development:
  Ensure operational procedures, workflows, SOPs, and contingency plans are created, validated, and approved prior to go-live.
• Training & Competency:
  Coordinate and validate staff training, competency assessments, and resource readiness.
• Documentation & Handover:
  Ensure all operational documentation is complete, accurate, and transferred to operational teams.
• Performance Metrics:
  Develop and track readiness KPIs and provide regular status reports to leadership.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Capture lessons learned and contribute to improving the organization's operational readiness framework and methodologies.

Bachelor's Degree and 6 years of experience in Technical work in Application Development, Server Administration, Information Security or Engineering OR High School Diploma or GED and 10 years of experience in Technical work in Application Development, Server Administration, Information Security or Engineering

Preferred education/experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, engineering, project management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-8+ years' experience in operations, project coordination, commissioning, or process improvement within complex environments
• Strong understanding of operational workflows, change management and service introduction principals.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and risk-assessment skills.
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation abilities.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies is an asset.
• Industry-specific certifications (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, ITIL, PMP) are beneficial.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration and stakeholder management
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Process-oriented mindset
• Strong facilitation and communication skills

This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

The base pay for this position is generally between $108,000 and $165,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.