Research & Development Executive
Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd
- Salary
- Not disclosed
- Job type
- Full-time
- Work type
- On-site
- Experience
- Executive
Matale·Posted Sep 19, 2026
Research & Development Executive
Company: Diana Chocolates (Pvt) Ltd
Location: Matale
About the Company
Diana is one of Sri Lanka's long-established FMCG manufacturers, with a proud legacy spanning over four decades in the food industry. The Group produces a diverse portfolio of biscuits, chocolates, wafers, and snack products that are trusted by consumers across the island and in international markets.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end New Product Development for chocolate, confectionery, extruded and savoury snack products, while improving existing products and processes.
- Develop and optimize formulations, flavours, seasonings, coatings, fillings and ingredient systems to improve taste, texture, stability, shelf life and cost.
- Conduct laboratory trials, pilot trials, sensory evaluations and scale-up activities for commercial production.
- Conduct and follow up initial commercial production runs, troubleshoot process issues and ensure successful implementation.
- Evaluate raw materials and packaging materials for microbial stability, and evaluate compliance and product performance.
- Benchmark competitor products and market findings to drive 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 relevant R&D documentation.
- Investigate product and quality issues and recommend corrective, preventive and process-improvement actions.
Personal Profile
- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a similar discipline.
- Minimum 2-4 years of hands-on product development / R&D experience in chocolate, confectionery, extruded snacks or savoury snack manufacturing.
- Practical knowledge of formulation development, ingredient functionality, flavour or seasoning development, troubleshooting and commercial-scale trials.
- Experience taking products from concept and trials through to successful commercial production will be a strong advantage.
- Good knowledge of food regulations and relevant standards including FSSC, GMP, SLS, Halal and HACCP.
- Strong analytical, project management, communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
- Executive / Senior Executive level will be considered depending on relevant experience.