WE ARE HIRING: Factory Manager

Location: Pannala, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Industry: Coconut-Based Food Manufacturing & Exports

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-driven Factory Manager to lead the overall operations of a coconut-based food manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for production management, quality assurance, engineering oversight, ERP utilization, supply chain coordination, workforce leadership, compliance, and cost management.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency, food safety compliance, productivity improvement, and sustainable business growth while maintaining the highest standards of quality and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Production Management

• Plan and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules based on demand forecasts and raw material availability.
• Oversee processing operations including husking, deshelling, paring, extraction, drying, and packaging activities.
• Ensure efficient utilization of production machinery and minimize operational downtime.
• Monitor production yields and implement initiatives to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards including HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, BSCI, ISO 14000, and other relevant certifications.
• Monitor critical quality parameters including moisture content, fat content, microbial levels, and product specifications.
• Oversee quality testing, corrective actions, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure products consistently meet local and international quality standards and export requirements.
• Maintain audit readiness and support certification processes.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Coordinate with procurement teams to ensure a reliable supply of raw materials and packaging materials.
• Manage inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted production operations.
• Support planning activities related to seasonal raw material fluctuations and supply risks.
• Optimize material utilization and inventory turnover.

Engineering & Maintenance Management

• Oversee preventive and breakdown maintenance activities for production machinery and equipment.
• Manage utilities including boilers, steam systems, chillers, compressed air systems, electrical systems, and water treatment facilities.
• Ensure equipment calibration and maintenance schedules are followed.
• Monitor energy consumption and drive energy efficiency initiatives.
• Manage spare parts inventory and vendor relationships for maintenance support.
• Lead machinery upgrades, new installations, and capacity expansion projects.
• Ensure workplace safety standards are maintained across all engineering and operational activities.

ERP & Operational Systems Management

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of production, inventory, quality, and maintenance data within ERP systems.
• Monitor production outputs, batch traceability, inventory movements, and cost performance through ERP platforms.
• Utilize ERP data to support production planning, material management, and operational decision-making.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure data accuracy and effective system integration.
• Generate KPI reports and operational performance dashboards for management review.
• Provide feedback for ERP enhancements and support user training initiatives.

Team Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop production supervisors, operators, technical teams, and support staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate workforce planning, scheduling, and labour allocation requirements.
• Conduct training programmes related to safety, hygiene, quality, and operational excellence.
• Drive employee engagement and performance improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with all food manufacturing regulations, labour laws, environmental requirements, and company policies.
• Maintain production records, quality records, traceability documentation, and compliance-related reports.
• Liaise with auditors, certification bodies, regulatory authorities, and customers as required.
• Ensure environmental and waste management requirements are effectively managed.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and control production costs, labour costs, utilities, raw material consumption, and packaging expenses.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Drive productivity improvements and operational excellence programmes.

Sustainability & Business Improvement

• Support sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance requirements.
• Identify opportunities to maximize value from manufacturing by-products and reduce waste.
• Contribute to strategic projects aimed at improving operational performance and profitability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing Management, Industrial Engineering, Production Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within food manufacturing or export-oriented industries.
• Proven experience managing factory operations, production teams, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong knowledge of food safety systems and internationally recognized quality certifications.
• Experience managing engineering, maintenance, utilities, and production facilities.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems and manufacturing performance reporting.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong financial awareness with experience in cost control and operational budgeting.
• Proven leadership capabilities with experience managing large teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commitment to quality, compliance, safety, and continuous improvement.

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 Factory Manager.

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

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