Sales Management Trainee

John Keells Consumer Foods Sector, a leading FMCG business and part of John Keells Holdings PLC, is seeking driven, ambitious, and high-caliber individuals to join our next intake of Sales Management Trainees.

This is not a role for just anyone. We are looking for future commercial leaders with the grit, commercial acumen, and relentless drive to shape the future of FMCG.

Through our intensive, structured training program, you will gain deep, end-to-end exposure across sales operations and commercial functions. Designed to challenge and accelerate your professional growth, successful completion of the program offers high performers the opportunity to fast-track into a rewarding, long-term career in sales leadership within the John Keells Group.

As part of this programme, you will:

• Undergo an intensive 18-month structured training programme, gaining exposure to a wide range of functions across Sales, Marketing, Sales & Operations Planning, and related commercial areas.
• Spend approximately 4–6 months within each key function, developing an in-depth understanding of its operations. During each stint, you will be required to independently undertake a business project and present your findings and recommendations at the end of the assignment.
• Engage with our extended business partners, including distributors, marketing and advertising agencies, research agencies, and other service providers, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how an FMCG business operates from end to end.
• Work closely with specialised teams such as Sales & Operations Planning, Centre of Excellence, and Data Science, developing your ability to interpret business insights and use data to support strategic planning and commercial decision-making.
• Gain practical, hands-on exposure to the realities of the marketplace, enabling you to understand customers, shoppers, consumers, channels, and sales operations beyond the classroom.

Who We Are Looking For

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Marketing, Commerce, or a related discipline. Fresh graduates with exceptional potential are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Mindset: Highly driven, energetic, resilient, and genuinely passionate about building a successful career in sales and commercial leadership.
• Technical & Digital Skills: Proficiency in MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, with the ability and enthusiasm to leverage modern AI and digital productivity tools.
• Analytical & Interpersonal Skills: Strong analytical and numerical capabilities, complemented by excellent communication, presentation, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated adaptability, problem-solving ability, strategic thinking, initiative, ownership, and strong attention to detail.

If you have the ambition to lead, the hunger to learn, and the drive to win, this could be the beginning of an exceptional career with John Keells Consumer Foods.

If you have what it takes to excel in this program, submit your CV including the contact details of two non-related referees and apply via the careers site.