Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Para Ekanayake

Doonside,Australia

Summary

With over two decades of experience, I am a seasoned professional in Business Transformation and Operational Excellence, backed by a strong operational background in dynamic markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. As a Certified Change Agent (OPEX), I excel at enhancing profitability, leading revenue generation and growth initiatives, and guiding complex supply chains to achieve Operational Excellence. I have a proven track record of managing complex business models, exemplified by my leadership of a USD 200 million apparel manufacturing business in Bangladesh, where I successfully exceeded revenue and margin goals while overseeing full P&L responsibilities. My business turnaround case studies have positioned me at the forefront of transformation efforts in Asia and Jordan, where I established a legacy of strategic improvements and operational excellence that I am now successfully applying to the Australian context, elevating local manufacturing and logistics standards. In my current role as Distribution Centre Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, I oversee the smooth operation of two critical Distribution Centres in New South Wales, managing a workforce of 100 employees. A highlight of my leadership has been the Eastern Creek DC, which became the first DC in the API region to achieve Operational Excellence Phase 1, delivering record-breaking results.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Distribution Centre Manager - NSW

Coca Cola Euro pacific Partners
10.2022 - Current
  • Led operations of CCEP’s largest and most complex state Distribution Centers, ensuring timely and complete deliveries to meet customer needs.
  • Managed financial budgets and implemented strategic initiatives to improve distribution efficiency and productivity.
  • Supporting to deliver $1.8m cost-out program from concept to implementation.
  • Collaborated with National and Central OPEX teams as a key stakeholder. Delivered the planned phase for the year with record breaking results.
  • Developed cost-effective operational models that reduced costs and increased profit margins.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

State Continuous Improvement Lead

Coca Cola Euro pacific Partners
09.2021 - 10.2022
  • Spearheaded optimization initiatives as the state CI Lead reporting to the State Logistics manager
  • Conducted comprehensive current state reviews building robust pipelines of focused improvement initiatives that delivered $1.2 million in savings within the year.
  • Collaborated with cross functional teams to develop and refine improvement strategies, LRP and roadmaps.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.

Deputy CEO / Business Lead

SQ Celsius | SQ Group
11.2019 - 08.2021
  • Spearheaded the sweater division, managing a portfolio worth USD 125M and concurrently oversaw the activewear sector worth USD 75M valuation directly accountable to group CEO.
  • Drove revenue growth by cultivating strong customer relationships, strategically onboarding new clienteles, and developing supplier partnerships.
  • Formulated and executed operational strategies to optimize profitability and maximize margins.
  • Build and led high performance teams, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement.
  • Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
  • Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
  • Streamlined business processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency across all departments.
  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
  • Bolstered employee engagement and reduced turnover by introducing progressive workplace policies and benefits.

GM – Group Lean Enterprise / CI Lead

MAS Holdings
07.2018 - 10.2019
  • Collaborated intimately with divisional leadership to craft strategies and establish business plans in sync with annual budgets whilst mentoring teams to meet and exceed targets.
  • Forming forces with ex Toyota consultants in adopting lean principles into the process and delivering exceptional results.
  • Partnering with pioneers in apparel manufacturing from China, Thailand and Indonesia in sharing best operational excellence and lean practices and delivering value to the brands.
  • Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
  • Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
  • Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

GM – Overseas Operations (Middle East) / Business Transformation Manager

MAS Holdings
09.2014 - 12.2015
  • Spearheaded the establishment of Nike’s inaugural operation Jordan, overseeing the project from initial feasibility through to acquisition and customer transition.
  • Orchestrated the project plan and execution adhering to strict timeline and consistently driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.

General Manager

MAS Holdings
08.2010 - 08.2014

Detail responsibilities can be provided if required

Operations Manager / Operations Executive

MAS Holdings / Brandix Lanka
05.2002 - 07.2010

Detail responsibilities can be provided if required

Management Accountant

MAS Holdings
11.2000 - 04.2002

Detail responsibilities can be provided if required

Education

Master of Business Administration -

University of Colombo
01.2011

Associate Member (ACMA) - undefined

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)
01.2003

Attorney at Law - undefined

Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
01.2003

Skills

  • Change Management
  • Business Transformation
  • Project Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Strategy Development
  • Lean Implementation
  • Manufacturing Systems
  • People Development / Coaching
  • Financial Acumen
  • Systematic Problem Solving

Accomplishments

  • TAKI AKIMOTO SS Gold award (SL) – 2016
  • National Productivity Silver award (SL)– 2016
  • TAKI AKIMOTO SS Bronze award (SL) – 2017
  • 5 Gold awards in Operational Excellence (SL) – 2014
  • 3rd plant to reach phase 3 in lean assessment score in MAS 2014 (out of 41 Plants) – (SL)
  • Accrediting the 1st NIKE plant in Jordan – 2015

Certification

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (CLSSBB - August 2022) Six Sigma Management Institute by Dr. Mikel J Harry USA
  • NOS Lean Change Agent Certification – Wave 11 (December 2012)
  • Lean 2.0 Change Agent Certification – Wave 3 (March 2017) Nike Apparel Innovation and training center, Sri Lanka in collaboration with Nike Inc.
  • Accelerated Lean Certificate (October 2010) MAS Leadership Development
  • Accelerated Leadership program (September 2016 to June 2017) MAS Leadership Development in collaboration with the University of Virginia and the Darden School Foundation USA
  • Doug Adams Leadership Development Program (March 2005) MAS Leadership Development
  • Basic Leadership Development Diploma (August 2003) XLRI Jamshedpur – India

Timeline

Distribution Centre Manager - NSW

Coca Cola Euro pacific Partners
10.2022 - Current

State Continuous Improvement Lead

Coca Cola Euro pacific Partners
09.2021 - 10.2022

Deputy CEO / Business Lead

SQ Celsius | SQ Group
11.2019 - 08.2021

GM – Group Lean Enterprise / CI Lead

MAS Holdings
07.2018 - 10.2019

GM – Overseas Operations (Middle East) / Business Transformation Manager

MAS Holdings
09.2014 - 12.2015

General Manager

MAS Holdings
08.2010 - 08.2014

Operations Manager / Operations Executive

MAS Holdings / Brandix Lanka
05.2002 - 07.2010

Management Accountant

MAS Holdings
11.2000 - 04.2002

Associate Member (ACMA) - undefined

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK)

Attorney at Law - undefined

Supreme Court of Sri Lanka

Master of Business Administration -

University of Colombo
Para Ekanayake