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Channel Development Manager - Food Services

Job Name
Channel Development Manager - Food Services

General Information

Date Published
19-Feb-2026
Advertising Ends
13-Mar-2026
ID#
14882
Role Type
Marketing & Comms
Work Type
Permanent Full-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
Sri Lanka
Location
Sri Lanka

Position Description

Iconic dairy brands, exciting dairy future!

Mainland Dairy is entering a bold, new chapter. Evolving from our roots with Fonterra, we are set to become a division of the Lactalis Group, the world’s largest dairy company known for its firm belief in the future of dairy and rapid, consumer-driven growth.    

We’re looking for highly skilled and knowledgeable people who are energised by the opportunity, a change that is expected for the first quarter of 2026 (pending sale completion) but starting as soon as the right person is identified and available.   

 At Mainland Dairy, we believe that from Goodness comes Greatness, and we’re excited by our future. Come join us and help shape a consumer-focused future to be proud of.  

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a Channel Development Manager to join our Foodservice (FS) team, reporting to the Head of Food Service. In this pivotal role, you will lead channel insights, portfolio strategy, capability development and market‑driven channel programs that fuel the growth of our Foodservice business.

In this opportunity, you will:

  • Develop and execute channel strategies aligned to market dynamics and Foodservice business objectives. 
  • Lead portfolio strategy, leveraging global product lines to optimise mix, pricing and competitiveness. 
  • Build and maintain robust market research and insight frameworks to identify growth opportunities and customer needs. 
  • Drive channel development initiatives—including key customer prioritisation, channel programs and awareness campaigns (digital, social, chef influence, demonstration experiences). 
  • Lead the development and commercialisation of customer solutions that deliver value for partners and accelerate Foodservice growth. 
This role will be based in our Sri Lanka head office with travel to field when required.

About You
You are a commercially minded, insight-led channel specialist who thrives on building strategies, identifying opportunities and translating them into results. With a strong understanding of the Foodservice or FMCG landscape, you balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution and stakeholder collaboration. 

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

  • 2 years’ minimum experience in FMCG, Foodservice or related commercial roles, with exposure to channel or portfolio management.
  • Proven capability in developing channel strategies, portfolio strategies and customer insights to drive business growth.
  • Strong commercial acumen and familiarity with both local and international market dynamics. 
  • Experience in managing or influencing key customer stakeholders, including chefs and decision‑makers.
  • Solid project management skills, including the ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives from concept to commercialisation. 
  • A tertiary qualification in business or marketing. 

For more details, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the supporting Talent Acquisition Partner- Meheret.hailemelekot@fonterra.com.  

Applications close at midnight on 13/03/2026 

Be Part of Dairy’s Future

Great people continue to power this business forward. Our people thrive within a positive working environment, a collaborative and caring culture and leadership that continues to inspire.  

Based at Biyagama, Sri Lanka, this role offers excellent career development and internal mobility pathways.

We believe in you bringing your best and most authentic self to work and we want you to succeed in a way that allows you to win, in every aspect of your life. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, as well as individuals of diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Our team is dedicated to supporting your professional development and personal wellbeing.   

We look forward to the possibility of you joining our inclusive team.  

Let’s make this your best move yet. Apply now!

Please note that applicants must have full working rights for Sri Lanka to be considered. 

We are politely declining recruitment agency support and approaches for this role.

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