What does an Agribusiness Manager do?

An agribusiness manager is someone who runs and grows a business related to agriculture. It can be a farm, an estate, a food processing company, or even a company that sells seeds or fertilizer.

As an agribusiness manager, you’ll do things like:

• Plan how to produce, buy, process, and sell agricultural products

• Manage workers and help them do their best work 

• Keep track of money, sales, and expenses

• Work with suppliers, buyers, and even exporters

• Find new ways to make the business more successful

• Make reports and share them with company directors or owners

You are like the “captain” of the ship, making sure everything runs smoothly from production to sales.

---

Where can you work as an Agribusiness Manager?

In Sri Lanka, you have many choices if you want to work in agribusiness. You don’t have to limit yourself to just farms or estates. Here are some places you can target:

Government bodies

These organisations work on big agricultural projects, food production, and helping farmers grow more:

• Department of Agriculture

• Mahaweli Authority

• Coconut Cultivation Board

• Tea Small Holdings Development Authority

They may hire managers to lead projects, run production units, or coordinate sales.

Private agribusiness companies

These are large companies that own farms, tea factories, coconut oil mills, or even export businesses. They need managers to run daily operations and plan for growth.

Tea, rubber, and coconut estates

Large estates often have their own factories, shops, or export units that need skilled managers.

NGOs and development projects

Projects run by organisations like the World Bank, UNDP, or local NGOs sometimes hire managers to run community farms, training centres, or new business projects.

Universities and research institutes

They sometimes run farms or businesses as part of research, and they need managers to make sure these places stay profitable.

As you can see, there’s no shortage of places where your skills can be useful.

---

What education do you need?

To become an agribusiness manager, it’s best to have a mix of education and real-world experience. Here are common options:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Business Management, or Economics

• Diploma or higher national diploma in Agribusiness or Agriculture

• Short courses in management, sales, or marketing

Some managers start with a diploma and learn more while working.

---

What skills do you need?

Let’s talk about the skills you’ll need to do this job well:

• Business planning: You must make plans for buying, selling, and production.

• Leadership: You will guide teams, motivate them, and solve conflicts.

• Communication: Talking clearly with workers, suppliers, and customers.

• Accounting: Keeping track of income and expenses to make sure the business stays profitable.

• Marketing: Knowing how to sell products and attract new customers.

• Problem-solving: Agriculture can be unpredictable, so you must think fast when challenges come up.

• Basic computer skills: Using Excel, email, and accounting software.

If you’re organised, friendly, and like solving problems, these skills will help you do well.

---

What does a normal day look like?

A normal day for an agribusiness manager might include:

• Checking emails and sales reports in the morning

• Visiting the production area, like a factory or farm

• Meeting with the sales team to plan marketing activities

• Talking to suppliers about prices and deliveries

• Making financial reports or checking expenses

• Discussing new projects with company directors

• Training workers or answering questions

Every day can be a little different. Sometimes you’ll be in the office; other days, you’ll be on the farm or at a meeting.

---

Why choose this career?

Here’s why I think becoming an agribusiness manager is a great choice:

• You get to work in a growing field where there’s always demand

• You help farmers and workers have better lives by growing the business

• You learn about business, leadership, and agriculture at the same time

• You have chances to move into higher positions like general manager or director

• You might even start your own agribusiness one day

It’s a job for people who enjoy challenges and want to make a real difference.

---

CV template for agriculture jobs

When you’re ready to apply, you’ll need a simple, clear CV. Here’s an example you can copy and change:

---

Name: [Your Full Name]
Address: [Your Address]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]

---

Objective:
Motivated graduate seeking a role as Agribusiness Manager. Passionate about helping agriculture businesses grow and become successful.

---

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management – [University Name], [Year]

• Diploma in Business Management – [Institute Name], [Year]

---

Experience:

• Assistant Manager – [Company Name], [Year–Year]

  • Helped plan production and sales strategies

  • Managed a team of [number] workers

  • Prepared daily and monthly financial reports

• Sales Officer – [Company Name], [Year–Year]

  • Promoted agricultural products to new buyers

  • Worked closely with farmers and estate owners

---

Skills:

• Business planning and budgeting

• Leadership and teamwork

• Marketing and sales

• Communication

• Computer skills (Excel, Word, email)

---

References:
Available on request

---

Free CV Download

Top agriculture companies to target in Sri Lanka

When you’re ready to send your CV, you should know where to apply. Here are some top companies and organisations:

• Kelani Valley Plantations PLC

• Watawala Plantations PLC

• Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC

• Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC

• Horana Plantations PLC

• Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd

• Ceylon Tea Services PLC (linked to Dilmah)

• Coconut Cultivation Board

• Mahaweli Authority

Don’t forget about international NGOs, food processing companies, and export businesses too.

---

Tips to get started

If you feel this career is for you, here’s what you can do now:

• Study agribusiness or agriculture after your A/L exams

• Look for internships or volunteer work in agriculture businesses

• Learn about marketing, accounting, and leadership

• Visit farms and factories to see how real businesses work

• Make connections by joining student clubs or local events

The more you learn and meet people, the easier it will be to find your first job.

---

Final thoughts

Becoming an agribusiness manager is about more than just selling products. You help farmers, workers, and your community by making businesses successful. You learn every day and have the chance to grow into bigger roles in the future.

It doesn’t matter where you start. With education, experience, and hard work, you can build a career that is interesting and meaningful.

So if you love agriculture and business, why not start learning today? One day, you could be running your own agribusiness or leading a company that helps feed thousands of people.