📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head - Marketing Operations
🔹 Company: John Keells Group
🔹 Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing strategic marketing plans for Agency and Partnership channels
- Managing marketing resources and brand visibility
- Implementing customer experience frameworks
- Organizing corporate events and managing logistics
- Liaising with internal teams, vendors, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and execute channel strategies for agency and bancassurance channels
✅ Create and execute the annual channel marketing plan
✅ Develop and implement marketing plans for each channel-specific product
✅ Participate in lead generation via innovative avenues
✅ Monitor brand values implementation at relevant regional offices
✅ Meet stakeholders to identify, negotiate, and finalize activities for continuous improvements
✅ Manage the existing customer base to ensure continuous revenue generation
✅ Manage and supervise marketing resources to ensure brand visibility at the regional level
✅ Organize all events for the company, including annual events in distribution, bancassurance, and human resources
✅ Develop and implement a customer experience framework for the business
✅ Gather marketing campaign data to evaluate the impact of strategies, report results, and redesign campaigns
✅ Provide support in the opening and closure of branches for the distribution division
✅ Coordinate with branch managers, regional managers, and vendors for marketing collateral and BTL activations
✅ Brief, coordinate, and deliver through creative agencies, printing vendors, BTL agencies, and translation service providers
✅ Liaise with departments to roll out channel marketing initiatives
✅ Execute CSR initiatives that add value to the business in the long run
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of multitasking, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree in marketing/business administration or any relevant discipline from a recognized University and an MBA or equivalent qualification.
Experience: 12-14 years of overall experience with at least 3-4 years in a managerial role.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in executing marketing plans, managing brand visibility, and implementing customer experience frameworks
- Expertise in developing channel strategies, lead generation, and analyzing campaign performance
- Proven ability to organize corporate events, manage logistics, and oversee marketing resources
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with internal teams, vendors, and external partners
Preferred Skills:
- Full/part qualification from a recognized professional institute
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the insurance industry or a related field may have an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: LKR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a similar role in Sri Lanka)
Benefits:
- Attractive remuneration package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Health and wellness benefits
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a similar role in Sri Lanka. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Holding Companies
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1870 (Over 150 years of history)
Company Description:
- John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) is the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange
- The Group has a heritage of over 150 years and is a driver and an integral part of the Sri Lankan economy
- The John Keells Group of companies have become leaders in many key industry verticals
Company Specialties:
- Airlines & Aviation
- Food & Beverages
- Integrated Logistics
- Property & Real Estate
- City Hotels & Restaurants
- Holidays & Tours
- Plantations & Commodities
- Resorts & Spas
- Financial Services
- IT Services & BPO
- Ports & Shipping
- Retail & Loyalty
Company Website: www.keells.com
ASSUMPTION: Working for a large conglomerate like John Keells Group offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse industries.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer or an equivalent position
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to move into a more senior role within the marketing department or other departments within the John Keells Group
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the business
- possibility to work on cross-functional teams and collaborate with other departments
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, given the size and diversity of the John Keells Group.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): No. 117, Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Geographic Context:
- Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city in Sri Lanka
- The city offers a mix of modern and traditional experiences, with a vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse communities
- Colombo is well-connected by air, sea, and road networks, making it an ideal location for regional headquarters
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch break
ASSUMPTION: Working in Colombo offers a dynamic work environment with easy access to amenities, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final round interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference verification
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Marketing expertise and industry knowledge
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and marketing expertise
- Research the John Keells Group and the insurance industry to demonstrate your understanding of the business and market trends
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and company culture
ATS Keywords: Marketing Operations, Marketing Strategy, Channel Management, Brand Visibility, Customer Experience, Event Management, Stakeholder Management, Lead Generation, Campaign Performance, Marketing Resources, Marketing Collateral, BTL Activations, CSR Initiatives
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will likely be competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their unique qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Event management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant marketing tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Responsibility
- Customer-centricity
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and proactive
- Adaptable and resilient
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple projects
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with the company's values of integrity, excellence, responsibility, customer-centricity, and innovation?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines and multiple priorities?
- Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and can you effectively liaise with internal teams, vendors, and external partners?
- Are you able to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive team culture?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Working effectively with various stakeholders, including internal teams, vendors, and external partners
- Adapting to changes in the market and industry trends
- Maintaining brand consistency and visibility across multiple channels and regions
- Balancing strategic planning and day-to-day execution
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to prioritize effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Director or Marketing Manager position, but with a focus on operations and channel management
- In the insurance industry, this role may be unique, as it combines strategic marketing, event management, and customer experience frameworks
- Career progression may include moving into a more senior marketing role or transitioning into a general management or business development role
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals when evaluating this role and how it fits into their professional development plan.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a successful channel-specific marketing campaign that drives growth and increases market share
- Organizing a large-scale corporate event that receives positive feedback from attendees and stakeholders
- Implementing a customer experience framework that improves customer satisfaction and retention rates
- Managing a team to successfully execute multiple marketing projects simultaneously
- Negotiating with vendors to secure favorable terms and ensure brand consistency across marketing materials
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the diverse responsibilities and skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall marketing strategy for the company?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the marketing department, and how can this role help address them?
- What are the opportunities for professional growth and development within the John Keells Group?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to better understand the company culture and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and marketing expertise
- Research the John Keells Group and the insurance industry to demonstrate your understanding of the business and market trends
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and company culture
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
