Head of Manufacturing Excellence

About the role

A leading manufacturing company is looking for an experienced Head of Manufacturing Excellence to drive continuous improvement, productivity, operational efficiency and cost optimisation across its manufacturing operations. The role sits in Horana, Sri Lanka, and suits someone with a proven record of improving productivity, quality and cost.

Key responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement: raise productivity, efficiency, quality and cost performance, identify improvement opportunities through process analysis and root cause investigation, and build a continuous improvement culture through shop-floor engagement.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC) and focused improvement projects from planning to implementation, using work study, time and motion study, line balancing and waste elimination; sustain improvements and deliver measurable results.
• Drive annual cost-saving and productivity targets with cross-functional teams, monitor projects and validate savings, and optimise resource use by eliminating non-value-added activities.
• Identify opportunities for automation, robotics and digital manufacturing solutions, support digitalisation and data-driven performance management, and help improve workplace safety.
• Train and coach teams in Lean and Six Sigma, collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams, and prepare management reports on progress, cost savings and performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and applicable ISO standards, and support sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, including relevant experience in manufacturing or operational excellence.
• Proven track record of leading Lean, Six Sigma (DMAIC) and process improvement projects with measurable cost savings and productivity gains.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification from a recognised professional body is mandatory.

Required skills

• Strong hands-on experience in Lean Manufacturing, automation and continuous improvement.
• Industrial engineering techniques such as work study, time and motion study, line balancing and manpower productivity improvement.

What we offer

• Gross salary of LKR 520,000 plus variable pay and a 3.5% bonus.