Chocolate Production & R&D Manager

About the role

The Chocolate Production & R&D Manager leads end‑to‑end chocolate manufacturing while driving product innovation and continuous improvement. This senior position combines operational leadership with deep technical expertise in chocolate processing, formulation, quality, cost optimisation and new product development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead all chocolate production operations to meet targets for volume, quality, cost and food‑safety compliance.
• Develop and execute production plans in partnership with Supply Chain and Planning, ensuring optimal use of manpower, equipment and materials.
• Monitor and improve production efficiency, waste, OEE and other KPIs; drive Lean and continuous‑improvement projects.
• Oversee R&D activities: create new recipes, improve existing formulations, run pilot trials and scale‑up to industrial production.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales and Procurement on product launches, raw‑material evaluation and cost‑effective sourcing.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC and other food‑safety standards; lead quality investigations and audits.
• Build, coach and develop a high‑performing team of supervisors, engineers, technicians and R&D specialists.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing chocolate or confectionery manufacturing operations.
• Strong track record of delivering new product concepts from lab to full‑scale production.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive cultural change toward continuous improvement.
• Excellent analytical skills with a focus on cost optimisation and waste reduction.

Required skills

• GMP
• HACCP
• ISO 22000
• BRC
• Lean Manufacturing
• Continuous Improvement methodologies
• OEE monitoring
• Root cause analysis