Tea Export Sales Manager
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
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
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 4yr to mid · 10yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
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
STABLE
Sri Lankan tea export expertise is transferable to Kenya, India, and international tea trading companies.
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Entrepreneurship & Freelancing
Freelance earnings: $2000–$8000/mo (USD)
Platforms (SL)
Business Ideas
- Independent Ceylon tea export company
- Tea brand development and direct-to-consumer export
- Tea brokerage for smallholder cooperatives
Side Income Ideas
EDB supports new tea exporters; Sri Lanka Tea Board provides exporter licences; BOI incentives available
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation 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
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
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
Core Motivations
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