Job Description
Head of Operations
CeylonWaters (Pvt) Ltd | Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Ceylon Waters is a startup spring water company based in the Southern Province. We are building a premium bottled water brand from the source up, and we are looking for a hands-on leader to run the entire operation.
The Role
As Head of Operations, you will lead the business from spring to shelf. You will report directly to the Chairman/Board of Directors and be accountable for the plant's output, quality, cost control and growth
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end operations, from water extraction and bottling to packaging and dispatch
- Manage and maintain the PET bottle manufacturing unit, including preform handling and blow-moulding
- Plan and carry out preventive maintenance for all plant and machinery to minimize downtime
- Ensure quality assurance and compliance with regulatory standards, including regular testing and certifications
- Ensure supplier performance and work closely with sales distributors on demand planning, stock levels and targets
- Manage logistics, including warehousing, transport and timely delivery to distributors
- Recruit, train, supervise and motivate the production, technical and support teams
- Manage cash flow, budgets, procurement and operating costs, and report regularly on financial performance
- Build SOPs, safety practices and reporting systems suited to a growing company
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree in Engineering, Operations/Production Management, Food Technology, Business Administration or a related field
- At least 8-10 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years in a senior operational role, preferably in beverages, bottled water or FMCG
- Sound understanding of cash flow management, costing and budgeting
- Experience working with distributor-based sales models
- Strong leadership, people management and problem-solving skills
- Startup experience or a willingness to work hands-on in a growing business
- Fluency in English and Sinhala
What We Offer
- A key leadership position with real ownership at the start of a new brand
- An attractive remuneration package in line with experience and qualifications
- Opportunity to shape the company's growth
Location: Southern Province, Sri Lanka (on-site)
How to Apply
Send your CV with contact details of two referees to info@ceylonwaters.com or WhatsApp +94 77 744 1331 quoting 'Head of Operations' in the subject line.
Applications close on 06th November 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.