Job Description: Assistant Manager – Colombo

We are seeking a reliable and organized Assistant Manager to support the daily operations of our business in Colombo. This role is suited for someone who understands how to keep things moving smoothly—someone who pays attention to the details, makes decisions based on facts, and can manage responsibilities with minimal supervision. You won’t be expected to reinvent the wheel or rely on empty phrases. What we need is someone who will take ownership, stay consistent, and lead with common sense.

The Assistant Manager will work closely with senior leadership and be involved in both staff coordination and operational oversight. This role requires a combination of task management, team supervision, and clear communication across departments. If you’re looking for a job where you can make a difference by keeping things organized and running properly, this may be the right opportunity for you.

Position Summary

The Assistant Manager will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day running of business operations. This includes managing tasks related to personnel, scheduling, inventory (where applicable), quality control, reporting, and customer coordination. You will be a go-to person for staff when decisions need to be made or problems need to be solved.

The role requires someone who is consistent, patient, and steady in how they approach their work. You’ll work under the supervision of the General Manager or Department Head and will be expected to uphold professional standards at all times.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Supervision and Coordination

Assist in overseeing day-to-day team activities to ensure smooth workflow.
Assign and monitor tasks, ensuring responsibilities are clearly communicated and understood.
Support recruitment and training efforts for junior staff when needed.
Provide clear guidance and help resolve minor team issues without escalating unnecessarily.

2. Operational Oversight

Monitor internal processes and ensure policies are followed consistently.
Coordinate with different departments to make sure operations are aligned and timelines are met.
Handle unexpected issues such as supply delays, staff shortages, or customer complaints calmly and directly.

3. Customer Interaction

Act as a point of contact for customer inquiries or complaints.
Follow up with clients professionally and document any issues accurately.
Maintain a calm and respectful tone in customer communication, focusing on facts rather than promises.

4. Inventory, Procurement & Resources (If applicable)

Monitor inventory or supply levels and ensure replenishments are made in a timely manner.
Verify delivery quantities and quality when items arrive.
Work with vendors and suppliers to resolve order discrepancies or delays.

5. Reporting and Administration

Maintain accurate records related to operations, staff schedules, and daily performance metrics.
Prepare regular reports for senior management regarding operational updates or staff performance.
Identify practical changes to improve day-to-day workflows and reduce waste or delay.

6. Compliance and Safety

Ensure all team members follow internal safety policies and basic legal compliance standards.
Assist with internal audits, inspections, or incident documentation when required.
Promote responsible workplace behavior and address non-compliance promptly.

7. Support to Senior Management

Attend meetings and take clear notes or follow-ups as assigned by the General Manager.
Support in implementing new processes, reviewing checklists, and following up on project deadlines.
Provide input during planning sessions based on your hands-on experience with daily operations.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Operations, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in an operational, supervisory, or mid-level management role.
Experience managing or coordinating a small to medium-sized team.
Sound understanding of how operational workflows are structured in a business environment.
Confident in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with reporting tools is a plus.
Strong written and spoken communication skills in English; knowledge of Sinhala or Tamil is advantageous.
Able to manage time well, prioritize tasks, and work under reasonable pressure.

Preferred Attributes

Steady, practical decision-maker who focuses on what works, not what sounds impressive.
Good listener who communicates without assuming or interrupting.
Patient in handling repetitive tasks, detailed reporting, and team oversight.
Able to maintain professional behavior even during challenging situations.
Doesn’t rely on jargon—speaks clearly, writes clearly, and works systematically.

Work Conditions

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Colombo. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, with some flexibility required for urgent matters, client visits, or events. You may also be expected to supervise weekend activities or participate in shift coordination, depending on your industry.

You will report to the General Manager or Department Head, and work closely with both office staff and ground-level employees. Some local travel may be required for coordination or inspection tasks, but no frequent long-distance travel is expected.

What We Expect From You

We’re not looking for someone who wants to “shake things up” without understanding how things work. We’re looking for someone who learns the system, supports their team, and works to improve processes based on actual experience. If something’s not working, we expect you to raise the issue clearly and offer a practical solution.

This is a hands-on leadership role, not a title for the sake of it. Your effectiveness will come from your ability to stay organized, give clear instructions, and follow through consistently. It’s a good role for someone who takes pride in running things smoothly behind the scenes—not someone who needs to always be in the spotlight.

What You Can Expect From Us

A clear structure for your role with well-defined responsibilities.
Support from senior leadership when you raise issues constructively.
Respect for your time and acknowledgment of consistent effort.
Reasonable goals and expectations that allow you to grow steadily in your role.
A work culture that values fairness, professionalism, and long-term thinking.

Who Should Apply

This role may be right for you if:

You’re based in or near Colombo and are looking for a stable mid-level role.
You’re good at keeping things in order and helping others stay on track.
You’ve managed small teams before and can do so without unnecessary pressure or drama.
You’re not intimidated by paperwork, planning, or operational detail.
You’re practical, respectful, and focused on outcomes.

Application Process

To apply, please send:

Your updated CV with details of your management or coordination experience.
A short note (no more than 300 words) explaining how you approach team and task management.
Any references or letters of recommendation from previous roles (optional but appreciated).

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a structured interview, and you may be given a practical scenario to evaluate how you approach decision-making, delegation, or coordination.

Apply

Final Word

This job is about being reliable, thoughtful, and consistent. If you’re someone who knows how to keep things running—not by overpromising, but by quietly following through and making sure nothing slips through the cracks—you’ll be a strong fit here.

We’re building a workplace where trust is earned through actions, not just talk. If that sounds like the right kind of environment for you, we welcome your application.