Fisheries Export & Quality Manager
This role is ideal for individuals passionate about food safety, quality assurance, and international trade, particularly within the marine sector. It offers the satisfaction of ensuring high-quality Sri Lankan seafood reaches global consumers, but demands meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and logistical challenges.”
About This Role
Manages the cold chain and international quality compliance (HACCP) for seafood export markets.
A Day in the Life
A Fisheries Export & Quality Manager's day involves overseeing the entire seafood export process, from ensuring raw material quality to final shipment. This includes rigorous checks on processing, cold chain integrity, and adherence to international food safety standards like HACCP. Much of the day is spent in processing plants, cold storage facilities, and coordinating with logistics and regulatory bodies.
- Inspect incoming raw fish for quality, freshness, and species identification
- Monitor processing lines to ensure compliance with hygiene and quality control protocols
- Manage and verify cold chain temperatures from processing to storage and shipment
- Conduct regular audits of facilities and processes against HACCP, ISO, and importing country standards
- Prepare and review export documentation, including health certificates and customs declarations
- Liaise with international buyers and regulatory authorities regarding product specifications and compliance
- Train staff on food safety, quality control procedures, and best handling practices
- Investigate and resolve any quality issues or customer complaints related to exported products
- Develop and implement new quality assurance programs and standard operating procedures
Work Environment
Work involves a mix of office-based administrative tasks, factory floor supervision (often in cold, humid environments), and occasional travel to ports or supplier sites. The environment demands strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols.
Typical hours: 45h/week · WLB score 6/10 · COMMON overtime
Work-life balance can be challenging due to strict deadlines for shipments, unexpected quality issues, and the need to be present during processing shifts, which can extend beyond regular hours.
Skills Required
Required
Preferred
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 4yr to mid · 9yr to senior
Starting as a Quality Control Officer, one gains hands-on experience in processing and quality checks. Progression to Assistant Manager involves taking on more responsibility for compliance and team supervision. A Senior role entails strategic planning, managing entire export operations, and ensuring market access through robust quality systems.
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
GROWING
Sri Lanka's focus on increasing seafood exports drives a growing demand for skilled professionals in quality and export management to meet international standards and expand market reach.
Hiring: MEDIUM
GROWING
Global demand for safe and sustainably sourced seafood, coupled with stringent import regulations, ensures a steady and growing need for quality and export managers in the fisheries sector worldwide.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Business Ideas
- Seafood export company specializing in niche markets
- Food safety and quality consulting for fisheries businesses
- Value-added seafood processing unit
- Certification training provider for HACCP/ISO in fisheries
Side Income Ideas
The Sri Lankan entrepreneurship ecosystem for fisheries is growing, with government support for export-oriented businesses and access to trade financing, though navigating international regulations can be complex.
Risks & Challenges
AI Replacement Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
MEDIUM
Job Security (SL)
MEDIUM
While some quality checks can be automated, the role requires human judgment, sensory evaluation, and complex decision-making regarding compliance, supplier relationships, and problem-solving that is difficult to automate.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Adhere strictly to safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE
- Regularly update knowledge on international food safety standards
- Develop strong communication channels with all stakeholders
- Implement robust quality management systems to prevent issues
Is This Career For You?
Students with a strong science background, particularly in biology or food science, who are detail-oriented, organized, and have an interest in international trade and quality management.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Ensuring high-quality Sri Lankan products reach global markets
- Contributing to food safety and consumer health
- Solving complex quality challenges
- Leading and developing a skilled team
What's Challenging
- Maintaining strict compliance with evolving international standards
- Managing unexpected supply chain disruptions or quality issues
- Dealing with perishable goods and tight deadlines
- Balancing cost efficiency with uncompromising quality
How to Qualify in Sri Lanka
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Frequently Asked Questions
A Fisheries Export & Quality Manager's day involves overseeing the entire seafood export process, from ensuring raw material quality to final shipment. This includes rigorous checks on processing, cold chain integrity, and adherence to international food safety standards like HACCP. Much of the day is spent in processing plants, cold storage facilities, and coordinating with logistics and regulatory bodies.