R&D Manager

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. • North York, ON

1d • CA$120,000 - CA$130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking R&D Manager to join their team in North York. This role is crucial for enhancing product quality and affordability of core products, while also elevating team capabilities and fostering a culture of technical discipline and creative problem-solving. The R&D Manager will be responsible for strengthening the current product portfolio by driving quality improvements, exploring cost-saving opportunities, and collaborating with operations to troubleshoot processing issues and optimize line efficiencies. This position is ideal for someone looking to make a tangible impact on the R&D department, possessing strong technical experience and a willingness to embrace challenges. The role reports to the R&D Director and requires a technically curious individual with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and a passion for using data to demonstrate impact through product quality, cost savings, and process optimization. The position is fast-paced, demanding quick, data-driven decisions, calculated risk-taking, and adaptability to change. The R&D Manager will lead and coach a team of food technologists to senior scientists, championing technical excellence with a focus on the bigger picture.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline.
• 8+ years of R&D experience in a CPG.
• 2+ years’ experience in an R&D leadership role.
• Strong belief in Riverside’s purpose and wholeheartedly embody our core values: Humility, Respect, Teamwork, Fun, Grit, Ownership, Adaptability.
• Strong affinity for data analysis and critical thinking with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience working for entrepreneurial companies where progress (action and speed) is valued over perfection.
• Proficient in using tools like Excel or Minitab to identify trends and drive technical decisions.
• Proactive, technically curious mindset with a continuous learning mentality.
• Quick and creative problem solver.
• Ability to find resourceful solutions and embraces discomfort.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, resilient and adapts quickly to changing priorities.
• Driven to push boundaries and inspire both yourself and your team to aim high.
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area) and occasionally nationally/internationally (5%).

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience leading technical, cost savings and quality improvement initiatives within a food manufacturing environment is desired.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma is a plus.
• Master's in Business, Leadership, Entrepreneurship or related is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for leading R&D-driven initiatives to improve quality, lower costs and optimize efficiency on our production lines.
• Coaches the team to creatively assess raw materials, formulations, and processing costs to identify savings opportunities without compromising product quality.
• Identifies when sensory validation is required to guide project decisions and ensures decisions are based on robust sensory data.
• Guides the team to develop robust technical recommendations based on thorough data analysis (using appropriate statistical methods) and sound scientific reasoning.
• Guides the team to troubleshoot real-time production issues on the factory floor using a scientific approach, collaborating with stakeholders to arrive at evidence-based solutions.
• Responsible for enabling proactive and timely R&D collaboration with key stakeholders such as FSQA and Procurement to ensure our consumers receive consistently high-quality products.
• Coaches team to deliver and maintain accurate, clear and appropriately detailed technical specifications (formulations, procedures, visual standards) across all technical systems.
• Collaborates with engineering and other internal partners to ensure required product quality standards are met during commissioning of new equipment.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, positivity and accepting change.
• Proactively explores ways to improve and enhance R&D processes to streamline for efficiency.
• Leads and provides technical coaching to a team of technologists to senior food scientists to deliver on R&D objectives and to achieve their developmental goals.
• Strengthen technical capabilities within the team to drive higher technical confidence through targeted coaching and development of tools and training on critical thinking, experimental design and data-driven technical decision making.
• Foster technical relationships with key ingredient and equipment suppliers to deepen technical knowledge on ingredient functionality and application in our products.
• Understands how technical data relates to business goals and strategically communicates it to inform and influence impactful business decisions.
• Accountable for ensuring delivery of shelf-life reports for changes to existing formulations and supports the team to flag technical risks in a timely manner.
• Collaborates meaningfully with other functions (Innovation, Packaging R&D, FSQA, Regulatory, Production) to share technical knowledge, process improvements, and collectively drive scientific and technical expertise at Riverside.

Benefits

• RRSP matching or 401k matching for an empowered financial journey
• Eligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing Plan
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager