Head of Tea
Head of Tea
A leading, vertically integrated agribusiness with a strong international presence is seeking an accomplished professional to head the Tea Department to lead its sourcing, quality and commercial operations. Renowned for producing premium Ceylon Tea.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the organisation's sourcing and procurement strategy to ensure sustainable supply, quality and commercial competitiveness.
- Lead all tea buying, tasting and quality evaluation activities while maintaining the highest product standards.
- Build and strengthen relationships with brokers, estates, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
- Monitor auction trends, market intelligence and global tea dynamics to support purchasing decisions.
- Oversee pricing, costing and inventory optimisation while ensuring commercial viability.
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation and best practices across tea operations.
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing, marketing, product development and international business teams to deliver products that consistently exceed customer expectations.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Minimum 15 years' experience in the tea industry, including extensive expertise in tea buying, tasting and quality management.
- Proven leadership experience in managing tea operations within a large or internationally focused organisation.
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in sourcing, negotiation, pricing and supplier relationship management.
- Comprehensive understanding of tea manufacturing, grading, blending principles, quality assurance and international tea markets.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change and deliver strategic business outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work effectively with industry regulators, suppliers and international partners.
- A degree in Management, Agriculture, Food Science, Plantation Management, Business.
- Management or a related discipline. Professional qualifications in tea tasting or plantation management will be an added advantage.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and a passion for excellence.
An attractive and negotiable remuneration package will be offered based on qualifications, experience and competence.
Company: Management Systems (Pvt) Ltd
Location: No: 10, Gothami Road, Colombo 08.