Manager – Product Innovation & Renovation – Cargills Ceylon
Job Title: Manager – Product Innovation & Renovation (Dairy Sector)
About Cargills
For over 180 years, Cargills has played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s economy. As a trusted household name, we operate across key sectors such as retail, FMCG, agriculture, restaurants, banking, cinemas, and more. At our core, we’re driven by purpose: empowering communities, supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs, and delivering meaningful innovation. We combine deep local roots with modern technology to create sustainable growth and a brighter future for all Sri Lankans.
Job Overview
We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Manager – Product Innovation & Renovation to lead new product development (NPD) within our Dairy Division. This role is perfect for someone passionate about food science, consumer trends, and bringing innovative, high-quality dairy products to market. You’ll take ownership of product development from concept to launch, ensuring quality, compliance, and strategic alignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Spearhead the development of innovative dairy products and enhance existing offerings from concept to commercialization
- Conduct market and consumer research to fuel product ideas and guide sensory improvements
- Manage lab-scale and pilot trials, oversee production scaling, and ensure smooth product launches
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, QA, Production, Procurement, and Regulatory Affairs
- Ensure all products comply with quality, safety, nutritional, and regulatory standards, including ISO and Halal certifications
- Oversee multiple NPD projects, effectively managing timelines, resources, and documentation
- Identify and test new ingredients and packaging in partnership with suppliers
- Mentor and develop the NPD team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
- Stay up-to-date on global and local food trends to keep the product pipeline fresh and competitive
- Support additional R&D projects or business initiatives as required
Qualifications
Must-Have:
- 6–8 years of experience in food or dairy product development, with 3+ years in a managerial role
- Strong technical knowledge in dairy formulation, processing, and sensory evaluation
- Solid grasp of food safety, hygiene standards, GMP, and regulatory compliance
- Demonstrated leadership and project management skills
- Proven ability to innovate, solve problems, and deliver results on time
- Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational abilities
Nice-to-Have:
- Experience working with food additives like stabilizers, flavors, and emulsifiers
- Familiarity with food analytical tools and ingredient sourcing strategies
- Passion for creating products that positively impact communities
Location & Work Type
📍 Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
🕘 Work Type: Full-time, with hybrid work flexibility for eligible candidates
Why Join Us?
At Cargills, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven team that values innovation, sustainability, and national impact. We offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to products enjoyed by millions. Plus, you’ll be working for a company deeply committed to uplifting Sri Lankan communities.
How to Apply
Ready to shape the future of dairy in Sri Lanka? Submit your CV and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience and passion for innovation. We can’t wait to hear from you!
FAQs
Q1: What’s the interview process like?
Shortlisted candidates will go through a multi-stage process including an initial screening, technical interview, and final discussion with leadership.
Q2: Is this position open to international applicants?
This role is primarily for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Sri Lanka.
Q3: What kind of products will I be working on?
You’ll focus on dairy innovations—think yogurts, milk-based beverages, functional dairy, and more—geared toward local and regional markets.