Production Manager

Job Description

Production Manager

Colombo, Sri Lanka

THE ROLE

The Production Manager owns the daily running of our manufacturing facility, turning production plans into delivered output without compromise to quality or safety. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can keep the floor moving today while building a stronger, leaner operation for tomorrow. We are looking for a practitioner who leads from the floor, brings genuine LEAN and 5S discipline, and treats continuous improvement as part of the job rather than an occasional project.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organise, and supervise daily production activities across all lines, ensuring output targets are met efficiently and on schedule
• Monitor production schedules and coordinate priorities to ensure orders are completed on time and in full
• Maintain product quality standards and ensure full compliance with food safety requirements, including HACCP, ISO 22000, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 frameworks
• Drive continuous improvement using LEAN methodology — identify and eliminate waste, reduce changeover times, and improve line throughput and yield
• Implement and sustain 5S across all production and packing areas, with regular audits, visual management, and a culture of disciplined housekeeping
• Establish and track shop-floor KPIs such as OEE, yield, downtime, and wastage, and lead regular performance reviews to act on the numbers
• Optimise the use of manpower, machinery, and materials to improve productivity and reduce waste, while maintaining accurate material and BOM control across product variants
• Support new product introductions and trial runs in coordination with the NPD process, managing changeovers and small-batch production with minimal disruption
• Coordinate closely with Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Stores, and Purchasing to ensure uninterrupted production flow
• Ensure a safe workplace through proper implementation of health and safety procedures, and lead, motivate, and develop the production team to deliver departmental objectives

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with at least one demonstrable LEAN or 5S rollout that was implemented and sustained — not merely awareness
• Degree or Diploma in Production Management, Industrial Management, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related field
• Applicants with over 10 years of experience in a reputed company will also be considered without the stipulated educational qualifications
• Proven track record of meeting production targets while maintaining quality and safety standards under pressure
• Sound knowledge of production planning, quality systems, and workplace safety standards
• Working understanding of food safety frameworks (HACCP, ISO 22000, and ideally BRCGS or FSSC 22000) sufficient to lead the floor through customer and third-party audits
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead and develop a shop-floor team
• Proficiency in MS Office and confident in preparing and interpreting production reports

NICE TO HAVE

• LEAN or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or above)
• Experience in the tea or food manufacturing industry
• Experience supporting new product launches or working within a structured NPD process
• Familiarity with ERP-based production reporting

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

• The opportunity to be part of a globally recognised Sri Lankan luxury brand with a presence in 65+ markets
• A genuine mandate to embed LEAN and 5S and shape how the factory operates, with leadership backing for continuous improvement
• Exposure to a diverse, high-SKU product portfolio spanning premium tea collections and seasonal ranges
• Room to grow within a company that is actively scaling its operations and investing in its people

Apply Now

Send your CV and a brief cover note to:

hr@basilurtea.com

Colombo, Sri Lanka