Kahawatte Plantations PLC, a leading Regional Plantation company and proud subsidiary of the MJF Group, renowned globally for the Dilmah Tea brand and its unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead our Cinnamon Processing Center at Hunuwala - Opanayake.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage all day-to-day operations of the Cinnamon Processing Center

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maximize processing efficiency

• Monitor production targets, output quality, and operational KPIs

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards

• Lead, supervise, and develop a multi-functional processing workforce

• Coordinate with the procurement team for raw material planning and inventory management

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimize yield

• Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior management

• Identify risks and implement corrective and preventive actions

Support strategic planning and capital expenditure proposals for center upgrades

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Food Technology, Engineering, or a related field

• 5-8 years of experience in a manufacturing or agro-processing operations role, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity

• Proven experience in cinnamon, spice, or plantation-sector processing is a strong advantage

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Solid understanding of food safety standards (HACCP, ISO, SLS) and regulatory compliance

• Analytical mindset with experience in KPI tracking and operational reporting

• Proficiency in MS Office; ERP system familiarity is a plus

• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management abilities

Ability to work in a field-based, hands-on operational environment