Managing Director
Introductory Summary
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Managing Director to lead our large-scale manufacturing facility located in Biyagama, Sri Lanka. This role offers a unique opportunity to oversee a workforce of more than 1,400 employees while ensuring that the factory achieves world-class standards in productivity, quality, and operational excellence. The right candidate will be a strategic leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, brings proven expertise in manufacturing operations, and has the ability to inspire teams toward continuous improvement.
About the Company
Our company is a proud part of Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), a global leader in cigars, pipe tobacco, and fine-cut tobacco with operations spanning across continents. Headquartered in Denmark, STG has a heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, delivering high-quality products to customers worldwide. The Biyagama factory is one of our flagship production sites in Asia, recognized for its advanced facilities, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainable practices.
At STG, we are guided by a clear vision: to become the undisputed leader in cigars and pipe tobacco, offering unmatched quality and customer satisfaction. Our mission is rooted in delivering excellence while fostering a culture of respect, safety, and accountability. With a strong presence in Sri Lanka, we are not only a global player but also a responsible employer contributing to local development. Our workplace is collaborative, diverse, and driven by a shared purpose—helping people enjoy tobacco experiences responsibly.
Location: Biyagama Free Trade Zone, Biyagama, Sri Lanka
The Role & Responsibilities
As Managing Director, you will have full operational responsibility for the Biyagama manufacturing plant, driving performance across all departments while ensuring that the factory remains aligned with the company’s strategic goals. Your responsibilities will include:
Operational Leadership
You will oversee all production activities, from raw material sourcing and handling to finished goods delivery. This involves ensuring optimal resource utilization, minimizing waste, and guaranteeing that timelines are consistently met.
Workforce Management
With over 1,400 employees under your leadership, you will be responsible for cultivating a positive and motivated work culture. Your leadership will be central in managing teams across Production, HR, Finance, Logistics, Maintenance, EHS, and Quality Control.
Production Excellence
You will coordinate production planning and inventory control, balancing efficiency with flexibility. Your ability to integrate lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies will be vital to enhancing output and reducing operational costs.
Equipment and Maintenance Oversight
You will supervise machinery maintenance programs to reduce downtime and ensure seamless operations. A proactive approach to preventive maintenance will be crucial in maintaining productivity.
Quality and Compliance
Maintaining high product quality is a cornerstone of our success. You will enforce rigorous quality control systems that meet both customer specifications and international standards. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with local and international safety regulations, fostering a safe and responsible workplace.
Stakeholder Engagement
You will manage critical relationships with government bodies such as Customs, Tax Authorities, and the Labour Department. You will also maintain strong connections with local stakeholders, sister companies, and our global headquarters, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
Financial Oversight
The role requires ownership of the operational budget, with accountability for labor, production, and maintenance costs. Your strategic financial decisions will support sustainable growth while optimizing profitability.
Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and a global mindset. Key requirements include:
- Extensive Experience: At least 10 years in manufacturing operations, with a proven record of managing large-scale facilities. Experience in the tobacco, FMCG, or related industries will be highly valued.
- Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage large, diverse teams effectively.
- Educational Background: A degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline is essential.
- Process Expertise: Strong understanding of production processes, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Adept at identifying challenges, developing solutions, and driving operational improvements.
- Cross-Cultural Competence: Experience working in diverse environments, with the ability to adapt leadership styles to different cultural contexts.
- Health and Safety Knowledge: Solid understanding of workplace safety regulations and best practices.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken, to communicate effectively with global stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
Beyond technical skills, we are seeking a Managing Director who embodies integrity, resilience, and vision. The ideal candidate will have:
- Strategic Vision: Ability to see the bigger picture and align factory operations with long-term business objectives.
- People-Centric Leadership: A leader who values employees, promotes teamwork, and invests in professional growth.
- Strong Communication: Effective communicator who can engage with both local teams and international stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Comfortable navigating change, uncertainty, and the challenges of a dynamic global business.
- Results Orientation: A passion for delivering measurable outcomes, improving processes, and driving efficiency.
Why Join Us
Joining our company means becoming part of a global organization with a rich history and an exciting future. We offer:
- Comprehensive Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits tailored to your experience and market standards.
- Professional Growth: Opportunities to grow within a multinational organization and gain exposure to international best practices.
- Collaborative Culture: A supportive work environment where diversity is valued, and innovation is encouraged.
- Impactful Leadership Role: An opportunity to shape the success of a major production facility and contribute to the company’s global mission.
- Commitment to Sustainability: Work for a company that takes pride in ethical practices, community engagement, and responsible production.
Our Hiring Process
We follow a structured and transparent hiring process to ensure we select the best candidate:
- Application Review: A member of our recruiting team will carefully assess your application against the role requirements.
- Recruiter Screening: If shortlisted, you will have an initial conversation with our recruiter to discuss your background and expectations.
- Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate your skills and leadership approach.
- Leadership Interview: Final stage interview with senior leadership to assess alignment with our company culture and strategic vision.
Please note that this recruitment is being conducted directly by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. We do not accept applications via agencies, and we will not provide compensation for unsolicited CV submissions.