Research & Development Executive

Research & Development Executive – Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd

Job Overview

Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd is seeking an experienced professional for the position of Research & Development Executive – Chocolate & Snacks. The role focuses on new product development, formulation optimization, product trials, commercialization and continuous improvement across chocolate, confectionery, extruded snacks and savoury snack products.

Position Details

• Job Title: Research & Development Executive – Chocolate & Snacks
• Company: Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Job Location: Matale, Sri Lanka
• Experience: Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on Product Development / R&D experience
• Industry: FMCG / Food Manufacturing

Company Overview

Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd is part of Diana Group, a long-established Sri Lankan FMCG manufacturer with a history spanning over four decades in the food industry. The Group produces biscuits, chocolates, wafers and snack products for local and international markets.

The company emphasizes quality, innovation, continuous improvement, modern manufacturing facilities, robust systems and a high-performance workplace culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a similar discipline.
• Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on product development or R&D experience.
• Experience in chocolate, confectionery, extruded snacks or savoury snack manufacturing.
• Practical knowledge of:
  • Formulation development
  • Ingredient functionality
  • Flavour or seasoning development
  • Troubleshooting
  • Commercial-scale trials
• Experience taking products from concept and trials through successful commercial production will be a strong advantage.
• Good knowledge of food regulations and relevant standards, including FSSC, GMP, SLS, Halal and HACCP.
• Executive / Senior Executive level will be considered depending on relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end new product development for chocolate, confectionery, extruded and savoury snack products.
• Improve existing products and processes.
• Develop and optimize formulations, flavours, seasonings, coatings, fillings and ingredient systems.
• Conduct laboratory trials, pilot trials, sensory evaluations and scale-up activities for commercial production.
• Conduct and follow up on initial commercial production runs.
• Troubleshoot process issues and ensure successful implementation.
• Evaluate raw materials and packaging materials for technical suitability, quality, regulatory compliance and product performance.
• Benchmark competitor products and translate market findings into product improvement and innovation projects.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Procurement, Finance and Marketing throughout the NPD and commercialization process.
• Maintain accurate formulations, specifications, trial records, product standards and R&D documentation.
• Investigate product and quality issues.
• Recommend corrective, preventive and process-improvement actions.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Product formulation and development knowledge.
• Practical understanding of food ingredients and their functionality.
• Sensory evaluation and product trial experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong cross-functional coordination abilities.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
• Ability to manage product development from concept through commercialization.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary and benefits are not specified in the advertisement.
• Executive / Senior Executive level will be considered depending on relevant experience.
• Opportunity to work in product development and R&D within the FMCG food manufacturing sector.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should forward their updated CV along with the contact details of two non-related referees to careers@diana.lk.

Please indicate the position applied for in the subject line of the email.

Important Notes

• The position is based in Matale, Sri Lanka.
• Candidates should have hands-on experience in product development or R&D.
• Experience in chocolate, confectionery, extruded snacks or savoury snack manufacturing is relevant.
• Knowledge of FSSC, GMP, SLS, Halal and HACCP standards is required.
• Executive / Senior Executive level will be considered based on relevant experience.

Job Category: Engineering & Technical, Private Jobs