Head of Import and Export Trading

Head of Exports & Trading

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited

Pelwatte is a leading name in Sri Lanka's dairy industry with a heritage of quality, trust and innovation. As we expand our global footprint, we are looking for a results-driven leader to drive our export and trading businesses to new markets and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Export Strategy & Market Expansion: Develop and execute the Group's export growth strategy, drive revenue and volume growth in existing markets, and lead entry into strategically important new markets.
• Trading Business Development: Establish and scale profitable local and international trading opportunities across dairy, food, beverages, ingredients and related FMCG categories, including sourcing and commercial partnerships.
• P&L & Commercial Performance: Own the Export and Trading P&L, delivering revenue, volume, margin, profitability and cash-generation targets while driving the long-term contribution of the Function to Group growth.
• International Market & Distributor Development: Build and strengthen distributor networks, identify new market and channel opportunities, develop distributor-specific growth plans, and drive penetration, customer acquisition and profitability.
• Dubai Free Zone & Regional Trading Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for the Group's Dubai Free Zone operations, leveraging Dubai as a regional platform for sourcing, market access, international sales and re-export operations.
• Strategic Partnerships, Supply Chain & Compliance: Develop reliable supplier and third-party manufacturing partnerships while ensuring effective coordination across production, procurement, logistics and regulatory requirements to support profitable and compliant international trade.
• Team Leadership, Brand Development & Governance: Lead and develop the Export and Trading team, strengthen the Group's international market presence, establish performance and governance mechanisms, and provide strategic commercial insights to senior management.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Marketing, Supply Chain, Food Science, Finance or a related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in exports, international business, trading, FMCG, food & beverage, dairy, commodities or related sectors.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role handling exports, distributors, international markets or trading portfolios.
• Proven experience in opening new markets, building distributors and scaling international business.
• Experience in food & beverage exports, dairy products, FMCG trading, commodity trading, import/export or re-export operations preferred.
• Experience with Free Zone operations, particularly Dubai, UAE or GCC trade structures, will be a strong advantage.
• Experience managing commercial P&L, margins, working capital, customer credit, distributor P&L and supplier negotiations.
• Strong network of international buyers, distributors, suppliers, agents, 3P manufacturers and trading partners.

Send your CV to: careers@pelwattedairy.com