Sr. Manager - R&D and Innovation (Private Label + Emerging Brands)

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. • North York, ON

9d • CA$140,000 - CA$155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager - Innovation & R&D, Private Label & Emerging Brands (PL & EB) is a strategic, hands-on leader who drives growth through innovation and technical excellence across Riverside's PL & EB businesses. They combine creative thinking with disciplined technical rigour to identify opportunities, build winning products, and deliver them from concept through commercialization. Leveraging expertise in food science, ingredient functionality, and manufacturing processes, they provide technical leadership to ensure products are scalable, high quality, and commercially successful. Working closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and other cross-functional partners, they shape the innovation pipeline while developing a high-performing team of food scientists through coaching, accountability, and technical leadership. This role is a permanent full-time position.

Requirements

• 10-15 years of CPG experience in Research & Development and/or Technical Innovation
• Post-secondary degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field
• Demonstrated leadership and/or management capabilities
• Demonstrated experience in new product development (ideation through launch)
• Demonstrated experience working in food manufacturing facilities
• PASSIONATE for innovation! Driven to find and create better products and processes. Motivated by a high level of curiosity and creativity.
• TEAM player with a positive attitude and the ability to keep things light and FUN.
• Effective management skills, capable of working on and leading a diverse team. Willing to "fly high and low," leading strategic decisions but unafraid to jump in and get hands dirty when necessary.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and ADAPTABILITY. Possesses the GRIT and resourcefulness to make progress when faced with setbacks or ambiguity. Embraces discomfort and sees opportunities where others see challenges.
• Uses immediacy of action to respond to opportunities, strengthen technical rigour, and pivot when needed.
• Demonstrates HUMILITY and RESPECT for our people and our planet on a day-to-day basis.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills
• Strong technical foundation in formulation, industrial manufacturing, sensory science, technical documentation, food safety, and innovation
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area), co-manufacturing sites across North America, and occasionally nationally and internationally (5-10%)

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Science, Business, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, or a related field is an asset

Responsibilities

• Leads the technical NPD process for Private Brands & Emerging Brands, from internal or external brief and bid response to first production. Accountable for ensuring products and projects adhere to Riverside & PL strategy, food safety programs, planned timelines and COGS, target attributes and parameters, and sustainability goals.
• Partners closely with senior colleagues in Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Operations as a vocal thought leader for innovation and portfolio strategy, ensuring the 3-year product pipeline is sufficient to meet GSV targets.
• Provides technical leadership in ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, technical troubleshooting, and scientific rigour across innovation and R&D activities.
• Fosters a culture of innovation within the PL & EB team, encouraging experimentation and risk-taking. Drives the ideation process.
• Leads strategic risk assessment, mitigation planning, and risk communication for innovation and R&D initiatives.
• Actively seeks partnerships with ingredient and equipment suppliers to explore innovative ingredients, processes, relationships, or technologies that could provide a competitive edge for current or prospective clients.
• Builds a robust network of co-manufacturing partners to expand Riverside capabilities. Accountable for vetting partners for technical suitability, NPD collaboration, and ensuring final products meet Riverside product specifications.
• Champions continuous improvement across the business. Regularly seeks opportunities for product and process improvement, efficiencies, and better ways of working, and evaluates the impact of initiatives using performance indicators.
• Leads and develops a team of food science professionals, supporting them with technical and leadership decisions and helping them achieve their growth potential through meaningful and dedicated personal development support.
• Develops and coaches the team through project strategies, resource plans, and execution roadmaps for complex innovation initiatives.
• Serves as a technical advisor to both internal and external partners, offering insights and solutions based on the latest food technology and trends.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the food industry, especially within the snack category. Monitors the competitive landscape regularly and uses research and learnings to improve existing products or develop novel concepts.
• Collaborates meaningfully with other Technical Design functions across the organization (R&D, Packaging R&D, FSQA, Regulatory) 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