100% Free · Space Solutions International (Pvt) Ltd
EducationalCareerGovernmentAfter O/LAfter A/LSkillsBudgetEntrepreneurStudent LoansForecastJob PortalAI Career Test

Tea Export Sales Manager

MEDIUM DemandLOW AI RiskSTABLE in SL· Rs.100k – Rs.250k /mo

If you love international business and want to represent Ceylon tea — one of the world's most recognised brands — to buyers across Russia, Europe, and the Middle East, this is a deeply commercial and globally connected career.”

About This Role

Manages direct export sales of Ceylon Tea to overseas buyers. Builds relationships with importers, private label brands, and supermarket buyers in Europe, Middle East, Russia, and Japan. Requires expertise in export documentation, Incoterms, and food compliance (BRC, ISO 22000).

A Day in the Life

Drive Ceylon tea export sales to international markets, managing buyer relationships in Russia, UAE, Iraq, Iran, and European markets, negotiating contracts, and coordinating shipments from Colombo port.

  • Manage portfolio of international tea buyer accounts and develop new markets
  • Prepare and negotiate export contracts and price offers based on Colombo auction rates
  • Coordinate with Colombo Tea Auction buying brokers on lot purchasing
  • Oversee export documentation: certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificates, customs entries
  • Travel to international trade fairs (World Tea Expo, SIAL, Anuga)
  • Monitor global tea market trends and competitor pricing (Kenya, India, China)
  • Liaise with EDB (Export Development Board) on market development initiatives

Work Environment

OFFICETeam: SMALLBUSINESS CASUALRemote: MEDIUM

Office-based in Colombo (typically Colombo 2/3, near auction complex) with significant international travel to buyer markets. Cross-time-zone communication is essential (Russia, UAE, UK).

Typical hours: 48h/week · WLB score 6/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime

Good balance in non-fair season. International trade fairs and buyer visits require intensive travel periods. Time zone differences create some after-hours calls.

Skills Required

Required

Agricultural Supply Chain & Export LogisticsBusiness Development & Partnerships

Preferred

Food Safety & Quality StandardsNegotiation

Technical Skills

Ceylon tea export proceduresInternational trade documentationPrice negotiationMarket analysisColombo Tea Auction procurementBlending and grade knowledge

Soft Skills

Relationship managementCross-cultural communicationNegotiationCommercial acumenResilience

Tools & Software

ERP for export order managementMS Excel for price calculationsExport documentation softwareVideo conferencing (international buyer meetings)

Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)

Entry LevelRs.60k – Rs.100k/mo
Mid-LevelRs.130k – Rs.220k/mo
SeniorRs.280k – Rs.550k/mo
Entry: Tea Export Executive / Assistant Export ManagerMid: Export Sales ManagerSenior: Director Export Sales / General Manager Commercial

Typical progression: 4yr to mid · 10yr to senior

Start as export executive handling documentation and buyer correspondence → Export Manager owning a market portfolio → Director of Export Sales or GM Commercial at major exporters like MJF Group (Dilmah) or Hayleys Advantis.

Global Salary (USD / year)

Entry Level$28k – $45k/yr
Mid-Level$55k – $90k/yr
Senior$100k – $160k/yr

Top Markets

United KingdomGermanyRussiaDubaiAustralia

Market Outlook

STABLE

Ceylon tea is Sri Lanka's #2 export (USD 1.3 billion annually). Export sales managers are critical for maintaining market share against Kenyan and Indian competition.

Hiring: MEDIUM

MJF Group (Dilmah Tea)Hayleys AdvantisAitken Spence TeaRichard Pieris ExportsForbes & Walker Tea BrokersAkbar BrothersStassen Exports

STABLE

Sri Lankan tea export expertise is transferable to Kenya, India, and international tea trading companies.

Entry Requirements

Sri Lanka

Min. EducationDEGREE
Experience2–3 years in export, shipping, or tea industry

Preferred

BBA / BSc Business, Marketing, or AgricultureCILT Export Management certificationCeylon Tea Board registered exporter knowledge

Global

Min. EducationDEGREE
Experience3+ years in commodity export or tea trade

Preferred

International trade certifications (ICC)CIM Chartered MarketerTea industry knowledge

Helpful Certifications

CILT Export Management certificateCeylon Tea Board exporter registrationEDB export market development programsBSc/BBA degree (any discipline)

Entrepreneurship & Freelancing

Freelance: MEDIUMRemote: MEDIUMCapital: MEDIUM

Freelance earnings: $2000–$8000/mo (USD)

Platforms (SL)

LinkedIn consultingDirect agent arrangements with international buyers

Business Ideas

  • Independent Ceylon tea export company
  • Tea brand development and direct-to-consumer export
  • Tea brokerage for smallholder cooperatives

Side Income Ideas

Commission-based buyer representation for Ceylon tea producersTea consultancy for hospitality sector

EDB supports new tea exporters; Sri Lanka Tea Board provides exporter licences; BOI incentives available

Risks & Challenges

AI Replacement Risk

LOW

LONG TERM

Burnout Risk

MEDIUM

Job Security (SL)

HIGH

International relationship management, negotiation, and cultural intelligence are human-centred and resist automation.

Burnout Causes

International travel fatiguePrice negotiation pressureManaging buyers across multiple time zones

Physical Health Risks

International travel fatigue and jet lag

Mental Health Risks

High-value deal pressureManaging relationship expectations

How to Mitigate

  • Diversify buyer base across markets to hedge against political disruption (Russia/Middle East)
  • Maintain close relationships with Colombo Tea Auction brokers
  • Keep updated on phytosanitary requirements per destination country

Is This Career For You?

Commerce or business graduate with strong communication skills, commercial instinct, and genuine interest in global trade and Sri Lanka's flagship export industry.

Personality Types

ENTJESTJENFJ

Core Motivations

Commercial successInternational engagementNational export contribution

What You'll Love

  • Representing Sri Lanka's most iconic export on the world stage
  • International business relationships
  • High earning potential at senior levels

What's Challenging

  • Global competition from Kenya and India
  • International travel demands
  • Price volatility and buyer pressure

At a Glance

SL Salary (entry)Rs.60k – Rs.100k/mo
SL Salary (senior)Rs.280k – Rs.550k/mo
Global (senior)$100k – $160k/yr
SL DemandSTABLE
WLB Score6/10
Hours/week~48h
Remote WorkMEDIUM

AI Replacement Risk

LOW

LONG TERM

Sectors

Private

Reviews & Ratings

Loading reviews…

More Tea & Plantation Career Profiles

Tea Brokerup to LKR 220k/mo
Agricultural Officer (Plantation)up to LKR 110k/mo
Tea Estate Officer / Planterup to LKR 130k/mo
Tea Taster / Quality Evaluatorup to LKR 200k/mo
Plantation HR Managerup to LKR 160k/mo
Tea Factory Managerup to LKR 180k/mo

Frequently Asked Questions

Drive Ceylon tea export sales to international markets, managing buyer relationships in Russia, UAE, Iraq, Iran, and European markets, negotiating contracts, and coordinating shipments from Colombo port.

To become a Tea Export Sales Manager in Sri Lanka, you typically need DEGREE. Explore step-by-step career roadmaps contributed by Sri Lankan Tea Export Sales Managers at paths.lk/career-paths/tea-export-sales-manager.

In Sri Lanka, a Tea Export Sales Manager earns LKR 60k–LKR 100k/month at entry level, LKR 130k–LKR 220k/month at mid-level, and LKR 280k–LKR 550k/month at senior level. Globally, experienced Tea Export Sales Managers earn USD 160k+/year.

Key skills for a Tea Export Sales Manager in Sri Lanka: Agricultural Supply Chain & Export Logistics, Business Development & Partnerships. Important soft skills: Relationship management, Cross-cultural communication, Negotiation. Tools and software: ERP for export order management, MS Excel for price calculations, Export documentation software, Video conferencing (international buyer meetings).

Start as export executive handling documentation and buyer correspondence → Export Manager owning a market portfolio → Director of Export Sales or GM Commercial at major exporters like MJF Group (Dilmah) or Hayleys Advantis.

Ceylon tea is Sri Lanka's #2 export (USD 1.3 billion annually). Export sales managers are critical for maintaining market share against Kenyan and Indian competition.

If you love international business and want to represent Ceylon tea — one of the world's most recognised brands — to buyers across Russia, Europe, and the Middle East, this is a deeply commercial and globally connected career.

Yes — Tea Export Sales Managers have medium freelance potential. Tea Export Sales Managers can earn USD 2000–8000/month freelancing. Common platforms: LinkedIn consulting, Direct agent arrangements with international buyers.

Office-based in Colombo (typically Colombo 2/3, near auction complex) with significant international travel to buyer markets. Cross-time-zone communication is essential (Russia, UAE, UK).