Manager / Senior Manager – Research and Development

Homagama (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
Fulltime

About Client Partner

Our client partner is a premier research and development center operating in advanced materials, coatings, and chemical technologies in Sri Lanka. Known for pioneering industry innovation, advanced technical manufacturing, and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, the organization provides a collaborative, high-performance scientific environment for an accomplished R&D leader.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced scientific professional to serve as the Second-in-Command for the Research and Development Centre in the capacity of Manager or Senior Manager – Research and Development. In this leadership role, you will direct technical R&D initiatives, manage laboratory operations, oversee product formulation projects specifically within the paint, coatings, or related chemical industries, and drive technical innovation from concept to commercialization.

Responsibilities

R&D Leadership & Strategy: Lead day-to-day operations of the research and development center, setting technical research milestones and guiding product innovation pipelines.
Product Formulation & Development: Oversee the formulation, testing, and continuous improvement of paints, protective coatings, and related chemical products to meet stringent industry standards.
Technical Quality & Testing: Manage advanced laboratory testing protocols, quality assurance standards, raw material evaluations, and analytical characterization of chemical formulations.
Team Mentorship & Collaboration: Mentor, coach, and manage a team of researchers and laboratory technicians, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and cross-functional collaboration.
Project Management & Reporting: Monitor project timelines, coordinate resource allocation, maintain technical documentation, and report R&D progress to executive stakeholders.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (or Doctorate) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Business Administration, Marketing, or Finance / Management Accounting.
Years of Experience: Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in research and development, chemical formulation, or technical leadership, preferably within the paint, coatings, or related manufacturing industries.
Technical Expertise: Sound technical knowledge of chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry, paint/coating formulations, and modern laboratory analytical instruments.
Core Competencies: Strong project management, analytical problem-solving, team leadership, and excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Manager / Senior Manager – Research and...