Sales Management Trainee

Sales Management Trainee – Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

Job Category: Sales & Marketing, Management, Private Jobs

Job Overview

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, part of the John Keells Consumer Foods Sector, is inviting applications for its Sales Management Trainee programme. This intensive 18-month structured training programme is designed for ambitious graduates who aspire to become future commercial leaders in the FMCG industry. Trainees will gain end-to-end exposure across sales operations, marketing, commercial functions, and strategic business planning.

Position Details

Job Title: Sales Management Trainee
Company: Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (John Keells Consumer Foods Sector)
Job Category: Sales & Marketing, Management, Private Jobs
Job Type: Full-Time
Employment Type: Management Trainee
Job Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Application Deadline: Not specified

Company Overview

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, a member of the John Keells Consumer Foods Sector and part of John Keells Holdings PLC, is one of Sri Lanka’s leading FMCG companies. The company manufactures renowned brands such as Elephant House and Keells Krest, offering innovative food and beverage products while providing exceptional career development opportunities for future business leaders.

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Business Management
  • Marketing
  • Commerce
  • Or a related discipline.
• Fresh graduates with exceptional potential are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Highly driven, energetic, resilient, and passionate about building a career in sales and commercial leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Ability and enthusiasm to leverage modern AI and digital productivity tools.
• Strong analytical, numerical, communication, presentation, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated adaptability, strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, initiative, ownership, and strong attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in an intensive 18-month structured training programme across Sales, Marketing, Sales & Operations Planning, and related commercial functions.
• Spend approximately 4–6 months in each key function to gain in-depth operational knowledge.
• Independently undertake business projects during each assignment and present findings and recommendations.
• Work closely with distributors, marketing and advertising agencies, research agencies, and other service providers.
• Collaborate with specialized teams across Sales & Operations Planning, Centre of Excellence, and Data Science.
• Interpret business insights and utilize data to support strategic planning and commercial decision-making.
• Gain practical exposure to customers, shoppers, consumers, distribution channels, and sales operations.
• Develop leadership capabilities for future commercial management roles.

Required Skills

• Sales and commercial acumen.
• Business analysis and strategic thinking.
• Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
• AI and digital productivity tool knowledge.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• Negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Leadership potential and teamwork.
• Time management and adaptability.

Salary & Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package in accordance with the John Keells Holdings Compensation and Benefits Policy.
• Comprehensive 18-month structured management trainee programme.
• Exposure to multiple commercial functions within a leading FMCG organization.
• Mentorship from experienced business leaders.
• Long-term career growth opportunities within the John Keells Group.
• Professional learning and leadership development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, including the contact details of two non-related referees, through the Elephant House Careers recruitment portal.

Important Notes

• Fresh graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Include the contact details of two non-related referees in your CV.
• The programme includes rotations across multiple commercial and sales functions.
• Successful completion of the programme offers excellent opportunities for long-term leadership careers within the John Keells Group.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.