Director – Sales & Business Development

WE ARE HIRING: Director – Sales & Business Development 

Location: Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full Time
Industry: Tea Exports / FMCG / Food & Beverage Exports 

Role Overview 

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially driven Director – Sales & Business Development to lead the company's global sales, business development, and market expansion agenda. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will be responsible for driving profitable revenue growth, strengthening international customer relationships, expanding market presence, and developing long-term commercial strategies across global export markets. This role requires a highly experienced commercial leader with deep expertise in international sales, export-driven business models, customer relationship management, distributor development, and strategic growth initiatives. Previous experience within the tea industry is essential. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Sales Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's overall sales and business development strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Drive sustainable and profitable revenue growth across existing and emerging international markets.
• Identify new markets, customer segments, distribution channels, and commercial opportunities.
• Develop market expansion plans and customer acquisition strategies to support long-term growth.
• Establish strategic priorities and commercial roadmaps that strengthen global market positioning.
• Provide leadership and direction to achieve sales, profitability, and market share objectives.

International Business Development

• Develop and grow international customer portfolios across multiple regions.
• Identify and secure new export opportunities, customers, and distributor partnerships.
• Lead expansion initiatives into new geographical markets and customer segments.
• Evaluate emerging market opportunities and recommend growth strategies.
• Manage strategic business development initiatives and partnership opportunities.
• Build a strong pipeline of new business opportunities to drive future growth.

Customer & Distributor Management

• Build and strengthen long-term relationships with key international customers, distributors, and strategic partners.
• Serve as the senior commercial contact for key customer accounts.
• Maintain strong engagement with overseas buyers, distributors, and private-label customers.
• Conduct business reviews and customer engagement initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
• Ensure a high level of service delivery and responsiveness to customer requirements.
• Resolve commercial issues and customer concerns effectively while protecting long-term relationships.

Commercial Management & Negotiation

• Lead pricing strategy development and commercial negotiations with customers and distributors.
• Manage commercial contracts, agreements, and business terms.
• Monitor profitability, margins, and commercial performance across customer accounts and markets.
• Ensure business decisions support sustainable profitability and long-term value creation.
• Drive margin improvement and revenue optimization initiatives.
• Evaluate commercial risks and implement mitigation strategies where necessary.

Market Intelligence & Business Insights

• Monitor global tea markets, consumer trends, competitor activities, and industry developments.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic insights to support business decision-making.
• Identify changing customer needs and emerging industry opportunities.
• Support innovation and product development initiatives through customer and market insights.
• Develop strategies that enhance competitiveness and strengthen market positioning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, and Product Development teams.
• Ensure commercial plans are aligned with production capabilities, sourcing strategies, and operational objectives.
• Support efficient execution of customer orders and key account requirements.
• Drive collaboration across departments to improve customer outcomes and business performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop Sales, Marketing, and Business Development teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and customer excellence.
• Develop team capabilities, succession plans, and talent pipelines.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership support to commercial teams.
• Contribute actively as a member of the senior leadership team and support organizational growth initiatives.

Financial & Performance Management

• Take ownership of sales budgets, revenue targets, profitability goals, and forecasts.
• Monitor key commercial KPIs and provide performance updates to senior leadership.
• Drive revenue growth while maintaining profitability expectations.
• Prepare business forecasts, strategic reviews, and commercial performance reports.
• Ensure achievement of agreed commercial and financial objectives.

Candidate Profile

• 15–20 years of relevant commercial experience, including experience in senior leadership positions.
• Extensive experience in international sales, exports, and business development.
• Previous experience within the tea industry is essential.
• Additional experience within FMCG, food & beverage, or export-oriented industries will be a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of managing international customers, distributors, and private-label business operations.
• Strong experience developing new international markets and driving export growth.
• Demonstrated success in leading commercial negotiations and strategic customer engagements.
• Strong understanding of profitability management, pricing strategies, and margin improvement.
• Experience managing significant customer portfolios and complex international business relationships.
• Degree or professional qualification in Marketing, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial leadership capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic and hands-on business environments.
• Strong decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Ready to take your career to new heights? 

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! 

Our client is looking for a skilled individual to fill the role of Director – Sales & Business Development. 

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive position!

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