Head of Operations

About the role

The Head of Operations will lead the end‑to‑end manufacturing and operational function for a leading food manufacturing company in Colombo. This senior position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost‑effective production while aligning operations with the company’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the manufacturing and operational function, ensuring safe, efficient and cost‑effective production.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support overall business goals.
• Drive improvements in productivity, yield, efficiency, waste reduction and manufacturing costs.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee production planning to meet customer demand through effective capacity and resource management.
• Establish and monitor key operational KPIs, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize the use of people, equipment, materials and production capacity.
• Develop, coach and motivate a high‑performing operations and production leadership team.
• Collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Finance, Sales and other functions.
• Manage operational improvement projects, including process optimisation, automation and capacity expansion.
• Ensure robust health, safety and environmental standards across the facility.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of operations management experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven senior management experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or a closely related production environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, quality systems and food safety standards.
• Demonstrable track record of improving operational performance, productivity and profitability.

Required skills

• Budgeting
• Financial management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Production planning