Head of Operations - Manufacturing Plant.

Location: Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka

About Client

Our Client is specialized provider of engineered wheel solutions for off road applications, serving key industries such as Mining, Agriculture, Construction, Material Handling, and Forestry.

The Head of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership for our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ja-Ela. This role is responsible for driving end-to-end operational excellence, ensuring that production, supply chain, and quality functions are aligned with global corporate objectives. The successful candidate will foster a high-performance culture focused on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement to maintain our position as a world-class engineering brand.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute comprehensive operational plans that align with global standards and local business growth targets.
Provide strategic direction for plant operations to maximize productivity while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Optimize production planning, scheduling, and capacity utilization to meet demanding global supply requirements.
Lead all manufacturing functions with a focus on achieving quality, cost, and delivery targets.
Champion the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
Drive initiatives for automation, waste reduction, and productivity enhancement across the production floor.
Oversee and optimize the entire value chain, including procurement, inventory management, and inbound/outbound logistics.
Strengthen global and local supplier relationships to ensure consistency in material quality and lead times.
Implement cost-effective sourcing strategies and robust logistics frameworks.
Ensure the facility operates in full compliance with ISO standards, health and safety regulations, and environmental protocols.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
Lead quality management initiatives to ensure products meet the rigorous durability requirements of the heavy engineering industry.
Mentor and develop a multi-disciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and ethical conduct.
Manage operational budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX) plans, and aggressive cost-control initiatives.
Drive workforce planning and succession management to ensure long-term operational stability.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Management, or a related technical field.
An MBA or MSc in Manufacturing/Operations is highly preferred.
8–15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations.
Minimum of 2 years in a senior managerial or plant leadership role within a large-scale environment.
Proven experience in heavy engineering, metal fabrication, automotive, or similar high-load manufacturing sectors.
Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and global operational excellence frameworks.
Exceptional leadership and people management capabilities.
Strong analytical mind with the ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, suitable for a global corporate environment.