Product Development Manager

North York, ON

We are an established co-manufacturer of quality biscuits with a large presence in the North American market. We are currently searching for an individual with a strong passion for food innovation to join our Research and Development team.

Product Development Manager

The Product Development Manager will lead firsthand in the product development team and projects, from concept to launch. This role will require flexibility in managing multiple priorities across the innovation and renovations programs for our Canadian and USA customers. This position reports to the VP of R&D, and it is located in North York, ON.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the sales and operations teams to execute our innovation and renovation programs with excellence:
• Work with sales and customers to co-create new innovations.
• Assist the sales team with market insights, industry trends, and researching innovative ingredients to develop new innovations.
• Manage junior developers.
• Supervise, train, and mentor developer(s), promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Foster a positive work environment that encourages employee engagement and growth.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Conduct plant trials and first productions.
• Troubleshoot with Operations and Production teams to deliver product compliance.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to source and test ingredients.
• Progress exploratory new product initiatives with an understanding of capabilities and limitations in bakery products.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate has a degree in food science/engineering.
• 10+ years of R&D experience in food manufacturing.
• Bakery and/or confection Research and Development would be an asset.
• Ability to multi-task numerous projects and manage changing priorities.
• Able to work autonomously and comfortable working in a collaborative, team environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Creative problem solver.
• This position will require periodic and project dependent travel (25% to 30%) to other sites within Ontario and the US.