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Operations Executive

HIGH DemandMEDIUM AI RiskGROWING in SL

Best for driven, analytically minded leaders who want to see their work translate directly into operational outcomes. A satisfying career for those who love running things efficiently and building high-performing teams.”

About This Role

Overseeing day-to-day business processes to improve efficiency and productivity.

A Day in the Life

You take ownership of a specific operational area — whether logistics, production scheduling, customer fulfilment, or service delivery — managing day-to-day execution, team performance, vendor relationships, and reporting to the operations manager.

  • Manage daily operational targets for your assigned area (e.g., dispatch, production, service)
  • Lead a small team of operations assistants or coordinators
  • Review and approve operational plans, schedules, and resource allocations
  • Handle escalated vendor, supplier, or customer issues
  • Review operational KPIs and prepare performance reports for management
  • Identify process inefficiencies and lead improvement initiatives
  • Conduct team briefings and performance reviews
  • Coordinate with procurement, finance, and logistics for end-to-end operations
  • Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and regulatory requirements
  • Participate in cross-functional meetings and strategic planning sessions

Work Environment

OFFICETeam: MEDIUMBUSINESS CASUALRemote: LOW

A step above Operations Coordinator — this role carries management responsibility for a team and a specific operational function. Found in manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, healthcare, banking, and telecom companies in Sri Lanka. Higher accountability and visibility than the coordinator level.

Typical hours: 50h/week · WLB score 6/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime

Good overall but extended hours occur during month-end reviews, peak production periods, or operational crises. The role carries accountability that can create after-hours communication demands.

Skills Required

Technical Skills

Operations management and production planningTeam leadership and performance managementERP systems (SAP, Oracle) — intermediate to advancedKPI design, tracking, and operational reportingBudget monitoring and cost controlVendor and contract managementProcess improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)Risk identification and mitigation in operationsAdvanced Excel and Power BI for management reporting

Soft Skills

Leadership and team motivationDecision-making under pressureClear communication upward (management) and downward (team)Stakeholder management across departmentsNegotiation with vendors and service providersCritical thinking and root cause analysisChange management and driving process adoption

Tools & Software

SAP / Oracle ERP (advanced)Microsoft Excel and Power BIProject management tools (MS Project, Asana)WMS / TMS systemsMicrosoft TeamsSix Sigma / Lean tools

Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)

Entry LevelRs.65k – Rs.95k/mo
Mid-LevelRs.120k – Rs.220k/mo
SeniorRs.220k – Rs.450k/mo
Entry: Operations Coordinator / Junior ExecutiveMid: Operations ExecutiveSenior: Senior Operations Executive / Operations Manager

Typical progression: 4yr to mid · 8yr to senior

Global Salary (USD / year)

Entry Level$45k – $65k/yr
Mid-Level$70k – $110k/yr
Senior$100k – $160k/yr

Top Markets

UAESingaporeAustraliaUnited KingdomCanadaUSA

Market Outlook

GROWING

Growing demand as Sri Lankan companies modernise operations, implement ERP systems, and expand into export markets. FMCG, apparel export, logistics, and healthcare are the highest-demand sectors. Operations Executives with ERP and analytical skills are particularly sought after.

Hiring: HIGH

MAS HoldingsBrandixHemas HoldingsJohn Keells HoldingsUnilever Sri LankaNestle LankaExpolanka HoldingsDialog AxiataDHL Sri LankaLOLC HoldingsCommercial Bank of CeylonSri Lanka Telecom

GROWING

Operations roles at the executive level are in strong demand globally, particularly in logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing. Supply chain disruptions post-2020 have elevated the importance of operations talent.

Entry Requirements

Sri Lanka

Min. EducationBachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field
Experience3–5 years in operations or supply chain, with some team leadership

Preferred

Bachelor's in Business Administration, Operations, or Industrial EngineeringERP proficiency (SAP/Oracle)CIPS Foundation or ProfessionalSix Sigma Green Belt (advantage)Experience in a manufacturing or logistics operations role

Global

Min. EducationBachelor's in Operations, Engineering, or Business
Experience3–5 years in operations with demonstrated leadership

Preferred

Bachelor's in Operations or Supply Chain ManagementAPICS CPIM / CSCP certificationPMP or Six Sigma certificationSAP/Oracle ERP advanced proficiencyMBA (advantage for senior roles)

Helpful Certifications

Bachelor's in Operations Management, Business, or EngineeringCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)PMP or PRINCE2 (Project Management)Six Sigma Green or Black BeltMBA (advantage for senior progression)ISO 9001 / 14001 internal auditor certification

Entrepreneurship & Freelancing

Freelance: LOWRemote: LOWCapital: LOW
0

Business Ideas

  • Operations and supply chain consultancy for mid-size businesses
  • Third-party logistics (3PL) provider
  • Process improvement training and certification centre
  • Export operations outsourcing service

Side Income Ideas

Operations process consulting for SMEsTraining workshops on ERP, Lean, or supply chain for corporatesFreelance project management for operational transformation projects

Sri Lanka's export growth and SME sector create strong demand for operations consulting and logistics services, particularly for apparel, tea, and processed food exporters.

Risks & Challenges

AI Replacement Risk

MEDIUM

LONG TERM

Burnout Risk

MEDIUM

Job Security (SL)

HIGH

Routine operational tracking and scheduling are being automated, but strategic decision-making, team leadership, and cross-functional coordination remain distinctly human. Executives who build analytical and AI-tool fluency will be well-positioned.

Burnout Causes

Accountability for team performance and operational outcomesNavigating crises across supply chain, production, and vendor relationshipsHigh communication volume across multiple stakeholder groupsPressure during peak periods without proportionate resource increase

Physical Health Risks

Prolonged sitting and screen useStress-related fatigue

Mental Health Risks

Sustained pressure from operational accountabilityBeing caught between senior management expectations and frontline team realities

How to Mitigate

  • Build digital and data analytics capabilities alongside operational experience
  • Pursue recognised certifications (CIPS, PMP, Six Sigma) for global mobility
  • Develop a track record of measurable process improvements with quantified savings
  • Progress from executive to manager to director through a succession of impactful projects

Is This Career For You?

Students who are strong problem-solvers, comfortable with data and systems, and naturally drawn to understanding how organisations actually run — those who want to lead rather than just coordinate.

Personality Types

Decisive LeaderSystems ThinkerProblem SolverDriver

Core Motivations

Operational excellence and measurable impactLeading a team to deliver consistent resultsBuilding efficient, scalable systems and processesBeing at the centre of business execution

What You'll Love

  • Direct and measurable impact on business performance
  • Leadership responsibility and team development
  • Clear career progression to Operations Manager and Director
  • Highly transferable skills across all industries
  • Strong demand and competitive salaries in SL and globally

What's Challenging

  • Accountable for outcomes that depend on many people and factors outside your control
  • High operational pressure during crises or peak periods
  • Managing teams with diverse performance levels
  • Balancing cost control with service delivery quality

How to Qualify in Sri Lanka

View all paths →

University Degrees (20)

Browse all →
ABE Diploma in Business Management Level 6Academy of International Business - AIB
⏱ 0.5
ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business ManagementAcademy of International Business - AIB
ABE level 6 Diploma in Business Management & Human Resources (HR)Academy of International Business - AIB
BA (Hons) in Business AdministrationAcademy of International Business - AIB
HND in Business Management (Qualifi Leve 4 & 5)Academy of International Business - AIB
Level 4 Diploma in Business Management - ABE UKAcademy of International Business - AIB
⏱ 0.5
Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Executive ManagementAcademy of International Business - AIB
⏱ 1.0
Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Family Office and Wealth Inheritance ManagementAcademy of International Business - AIB
⏱ 1.0
Qualifi level 7 Diploma in Health and social-careAcademy of International Business - AIB
Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care ManagementAcademy of International Business - AIB
⏱ 1.0
Edexcel BTEC HND in Business ManagementAmerican College of Higher Education - ACHE
⏱ 1.5
Diploma in Business ManagementAsian Institute of Management & Leadership - Business School
⏱ 0.5
Diploma in Business Management leading to BSc. Hons in Business ManagementAsian Institute of Management & Leadership - Business School
Diploma in HRMAsian Institute of Management & Leadership - Business School
⏱ 0.3
Pearson BTEC HND in BusinessAspire College of Higher Education
⏱ 1.5
Bachelor of BusinessAustralian College of Business and Technology - ACBT
Bachelor of Business Management (Hons)Benedict XVI Catholic Institute of Higher Education
⏱ 4.0Rs.350k/yr
BA (Hons) Business and ManagementBristol Institute of Business Management
⏱ 3.0
Management Studies (TV)Eastern University, Sri LankaGov
⏱ 3.0
Management Studies (TV)Eastern University, Sri LankaGov
⏱ 3.0

Diplomas & Certificates (10)

Browse all →
Advanced Diploma in BusinessACBT — Australian College of Business & Technology
⏱ 2 yearsRs.990k/yr
Diploma in BusinessACBT — Australian College of Business & Technology
⏱ 1 yearRs.440k/yr
BTEC HND in Business (Accounting & Finance)BCAS Campus
⏱ 18 monthsRs.300k/yr
BTEC HND in Business (Human Resource Management)BCAS Campus
⏱ 18 monthsRs.300k/yr
BTEC HND in Business ManagementBCAS Campus
⏱ 18 monthsRs.300k/yr
BTEC HND in Hospitality ManagementBCAS Campus
⏱ 18 monthsRs.290k/yr
Diploma in Business ManagementBCI Campus
⏱ 1 yearRs.100k/yr
BTEC HND in Business (Operations Management)BMS Campus
⏱ 18 monthsRs.270k/yr
Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Management (ACHRM)Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka
⏱ 1 yearRs.90k/yr
Certificate in Human Resource Management (CIHRM)Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka
⏱ 6 monthsRs.60k/yr

At a Glance

SL Salary (entry)Rs.65k – Rs.95k/mo
SL Salary (senior)Rs.220k – Rs.450k/mo
Global (senior)$100k – $160k/yr
SL DemandGROWING
WLB Score6/10
Hours/week~50h
Remote WorkLOW

AI Replacement Risk

MEDIUM

LONG TERM

Sectors

Private

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Frequently Asked Questions

You take ownership of a specific operational area — whether logistics, production scheduling, customer fulfilment, or service delivery — managing day-to-day execution, team performance, vendor relationships, and reporting to the operations manager.

To become a Operations Executive in Sri Lanka, you typically need Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant degree programmes include: ABE Diploma in Business Management Level 6, ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management, ABE level 6 Diploma in Business Management & Human Resources (HR). Explore step-by-step career roadmaps contributed by Sri Lankan Operations Executives at paths.lk/career-paths/operations-executive.

In Sri Lanka, a Operations Executive earns LKR 65k–LKR 95k/month at entry level, LKR 120k–LKR 220k/month at mid-level, and LKR 220k–LKR 450k/month at senior level. Globally, experienced Operations Executives earn USD 160k+/year.

Key skills for a Operations Executive in Sri Lanka: Operations management and production planning, Team leadership and performance management, ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) — intermediate to advanced, KPI design, tracking, and operational reporting. Important soft skills: Leadership and team motivation, Decision-making under pressure, Clear communication upward (management) and downward (team). Tools and software: SAP / Oracle ERP (advanced), Microsoft Excel and Power BI, Project management tools (MS Project, Asana), WMS / TMS systems.

Typically progresses from operations coordinator/assistant to executive, then to senior executive or operations manager. An MBA or specialist certification (PMP, Six Sigma) accelerates the path to management. Senior operations executives in large SL corporates earn competitive packages with bonuses.

Growing demand as Sri Lankan companies modernise operations, implement ERP systems, and expand into export markets. FMCG, apparel export, logistics, and healthcare are the highest-demand sectors. Operations Executives with ERP and analytical skills are particularly sought after.

Best for driven, analytically minded leaders who want to see their work translate directly into operational outcomes. A satisfying career for those who love running things efficiently and building high-performing teams.

A step above Operations Coordinator — this role carries management responsibility for a team and a specific operational function. Found in manufacturing, FMCG, logistics, healthcare, banking, and telecom companies in Sri Lanka. Higher accountability and visibility than the coordinator level.