Sales & Business Development Manager
Sales & BD Manager is the commercial pinnacle for people who build revenue and lead teams. At this level, you are defining the business strategy for growth, owning major client relationships, and accountable for the company's revenue line. Enormously rewarding for driven commercial leaders — and one of the fastest routes to an MD or CCO role in Sri Lanka.”
About This Role
Focuses on identifying new business opportunities and driving revenue through strategic client partnerships.
A Day in the Life
You own the commercial growth strategy for a business unit or company — setting the sales vision, leading the BD team, building strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable revenue growth.
- Develop and own the annual sales strategy and business development plan
- Lead and manage the full sales team across channels (direct, digital, partner)
- Drive C-level client relationships and own strategic accounts personally
- Identify, develop, and close strategic partnership and distribution agreements
- Review sales pipeline health and coach senior sales leads on deal strategy
- Report commercial KPIs to the CEO / MD and Board — revenue, market share, CAC, LTV
- Lead new product or service go-to-market launches from a commercial perspective
- Build business cases for entering new markets or launching new products
Work Environment
Senior commercial leadership role in a medium to large organisation. In Sri Lanka, Sales & BD Managers are found at Dialog, Unilever, John Keells IT, Brandix, IronOne Technologies, and any significant B2B or B2C business. Significant client-facing time, travel, and executive involvement.
Typical hours: 55h/week · WLB score 4/10 · COMMON overtime
Senior sales leadership is demanding. C-suite client relationships, travel, evening events, and board-level reporting create sustained high-workload environments.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 10yr to mid · 15yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
GROWING
Always in demand — every growing company needs commercial leadership. Senior BD Managers with a proven revenue track record in Sri Lanka are heavily recruited.
Hiring: LOW
GROWING
Commercial leadership roles are among the most sought globally — every company needs revenue growth. Strong SaaS and tech sector demand for remote BD leaders.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Freelance earnings: $100–$300/mo (USD)
Platforms (SL)
Business Ideas
- Commercial growth consultancy
- Sales organisation design and training firm
- Fractional CCO service for growth-stage startups
Side Income Ideas
Significant demand from SL startups and SMEs that need senior commercial leadership on a fractional or advisory basis.
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
HIGH
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
Senior BD and commercial strategy requires human relationships, board-level credibility, complex partnership negotiation, and organisational leadership that AI cannot replicate. Technology tools assist but do not replace this role.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Build a documented portfolio of revenue achievements with specific numbers
- Develop technology and data analytics skills to complement commercial instincts
- Network actively at SLASSCOM, SLIM, and CIM Sri Lanka for executive community access
Is This Career For You?
High-performing sales professionals (10+ years) with a track record of revenue achievement who want to move into executive commercial leadership. Suits driven, strategic, politically astute individuals with strong executive presence and a passion for business building.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Among the highest-earning roles in Sri Lankan corporate sector
- Direct link between your work and company success
- Executive credibility and influence at Board level
What's Challenging
- Unrelenting performance pressure
- Entire commercial output of the business rests on your decisions
- Long hours and frequent travel required