Head of Project

WE ARE HIRING: Head of Projects 

Location: Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full Time
Industry: Dairy Manufacturing / Food Processing

Role Overview 

We are seeking a highly accomplished and results-driven Head of Projects to lead a landmark Greenfield Dairy Plant Development Program and oversee the planning, construction, commissioning, and phased expansion of a major dairy manufacturing facility. This strategic leadership role will be responsible for delivering project objectives related to safety, quality, schedule, cost control, operational readiness, and long-term business growth. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, engineering consultants, contractors, technology partners, equipment vendors, and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure successful execution of all project phases. 

Key Responsibilities 

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the execution of a multi-phase Greenfield Dairy Plant Development Program.
• Develop and maintain integrated project schedules, resource plans, budgets, and milestone tracking mechanisms.
• Ensure project delivery is completed within approved timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress across all stages and implement corrective actions where required.
• Drive accountability and performance across all project teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic leadership across the project lifecycle from concept through commissioning and operational handover.
• Manage project governance frameworks and ensure effective communication across all workstreams.

Engineering & Technical Management

• Coordinate process engineering consultants, technical specialists, contractors, and project partners.
• Manage engineering reviews, technical evaluations, and design approvals.
• Support equipment selection, process design, and technology implementation activities.
• Ensure compliance with dairy industry standards, food safety requirements, and engineering best practices.
• Facilitate technical integration between all project phases and operational requirements.
• Drive technical decision-making while balancing quality, cost, and operational efficiency.

Construction & Site Management

• Oversee contractors, subcontractors, consultants, equipment suppliers, and service providers.
• Monitor construction progress, quality, safety, and contractor performance.
• Conduct regular project review meetings and progress evaluations.
• Resolve operational, commercial, and technical challenges to maintain project momentum.
• Ensure all project milestones are achieved according to approved schedules.
• Maintain strong site governance and effective stakeholder communication throughout execution.

Cost, Commercial & Procurement Management

• Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and Finance teams to monitor CAPEX expenditure and project cash flow.
• Review contracts, variation orders, contractor claims, and commercial agreements.
• Support procurement planning, supplier evaluations, tender management, and commercial negotiations.
• Implement cost control measures while ensuring delivery of project objectives.
• Provide financial visibility and commercial recommendations to project leadership.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Develop and maintain project risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Lead project risk management, compliance monitoring, and issue resolution activities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, safety standards, and industry requirements.
• Implement project controls, governance mechanisms, and reporting frameworks.
• Provide regular project updates and strategic reports to senior leadership.

Commissioning & Operational Readiness

• Lead factory commissioning, startup, testing, and operational readiness programs.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing, validation activities, and system commissioning.
• Ensure successful handover from project to operations.
• Support workforce readiness, training, and capability development initiatives.
• Drive long-term sustainability, operational stabilization, and capacity ramp-up activities.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certification such as PMP, PRINCE2, PMI, or equivalent will be highly preferred.
• A Master's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Operations Management, or an MBA will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 12–15 years of project management experience.
• Proven track record managing large-scale industrial or manufacturing projects.
• Experience leading projects valued at USD 15 Million or more.
• Strong experience managing multidisciplinary engineering, construction, and project execution teams.
• Strong knowledge of project controls, planning, scheduling, budgeting, procurement, and delivery management.
• Experience delivering projects from concept through commissioning and operational handover.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent risk management, problem-solving, and commercial management skills.

Ready to take your career to new heights? 

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! 

Our client is looking for a skilled individual to fill the role of Head of Projects. 

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive position!

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