Sr. Food Scientist

2 days ago

Toronto, Canada Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood) Full time
Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together. Join us as our SR. FOOD SCIENTIST.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com .

Position Summary/Objective:

The Senior Food Scientist on the Technical Innovation team will be responsible for driving innovation and technological advancements within the organization. This role will primarily involve identifying and evaluating new technologies or novel uses there-of and generating the business case for their implementation to enhance future product offerings and manufacturing processes. The candidate should also be a strong developer of new food products, from concept to functional prototype.

The ideal candidate should be a strategic thinker who can leverage scientific principles to make quick and informed decisions. They should be able to navigate complex technical challenges nimbly and translate scientific findings into actionable insights. This role requires someone who is comfortable with ambiguity and change, able to adapt to evolving priorities and challenges, and possesses the grit to overcome steep obstacles.

The successful candidate should embody Riverside’s core values and be a role model for the team. They should be passionate about science and committed to delivering honest results.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values
  • Identify innovative new opportunities to meet Riverside’s current needs and future growth plans within branded, incubator and private label pillars. Including but not limited to:
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify new technology or growth opportunities
  • Keep abreast of industry trends, new technologies and ingredients in the global snack marketplace and beyond
  • Attend trade shows, seminars, customer/vendor meetings, etc. as needed
  • Connect with current, new or potential vendor partners on innovative use of existing or newly developed technologies
  • Lead collaboration with equipment, raw material, technology, instrument or co-manufacturing partners to apply innovative ingredient(s), technologies, and/or concepts to new or existing formulations or processes
  • Complete proof of principle research and testing to ensure feasibility and readiness of new technologies, processes, products, recipes or ingredients for refinement and launch in large scale manufacturing. Including but not limited to:
  • Use scientific methods to define testing methodology
  • Perform testing at lab scale, pilot scale or potentially full-scale manufacturing trials both internally and externally to ensure feasibility
  • Use sound scientific evidence to seek truth, rather than success or failure. Use this information to make informed decisions and provide actionable insights
  • Create clear and effective business cases to justify continuation or elimination of projects. Clearly communicate complex topics to cross-functional and non-technical stakeholders
  • Manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Develop full technical timelines and holds team members accountable.
  • Collaborate with internal Engineering team to define essential technical parameters of new technologies
  • Develop new base recipes in line with required brand attributes, cost targets, timelines, certifications (e.g. Kosher, Organic, Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc.), and other relevant food safety, regulatory and quality parameters
  • Develop and maintain accurate project records to ensure seamless transitions of project ownership and capture learnings from project successes and failures
  • Respect and promote the company’s health and safety program, maintaining a safe working environment and ensure the continued compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety act and JHSC recommendations
  • Independently manage timeline and documentation of personal project load
  • Demonstrate adaptability when faced with changes to project scope and timelines, anticipate and provide risk assessments and mitigation plans
  • Provide training, mentorship and technical support to fellow R&D and Technical Innovation colleagues. Support onboarding of new staff as needed
  • May have the opportunity to supervise co-op student(s)
  • Other duties as required

Reporting Relationships

The position reports to the Director of Technical Innovation

Co-op students may report to the Senior Food Scientist

Education & Qualifications

  • Post-secondary degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field
  • Experience in Food Research and Development (3-5+ years), ideally a portion in Food Innovation and/or new technology sourcing and implementation
  • Experience working in kitchens, laboratories, pilot plants, and/or manufacturing facilities
  • Experience in bakery, slab, sweet or savoury snack foods, confectionary, dessert, inclusions, or chocolate is preferred
  • Proficient with MS Office, MS Outlook, MS Excel, SharePoint. Experience with Genesis, Specright an asset

Skills & Abilities

  • Proactive and self-motivated; able to see gaps and take OWNERSHIP to fill them without being asked
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, driven to seek honest answers
  • Disciplined; uses food science fundamentals and maintains technical rigour in everyday work
  • Demonstrated ADAPTABILITY and GRIT when faced with setbacks, rapid change and ambiguity
  • Creative flair; pushes the boundaries to find unconventional solutions
  • Embraces discomfort, HUMBLE and excited to explore new challenges and territories
  • PASSIONATE for innovation and brings enthusiasm daily
  • Deep desire for knowledge, personal skill development and career growth
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills; can function independently
  • Known as a TEAM player who operates with RESPECT
  • Ability to sample Riverside brands’ products and ingredients or products of interest
  • Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto area) and occasionally nationally/internationally (10%)

What we expect:

  • Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
  • Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
  • Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
  • Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
  • Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.

What We Offer:

  • Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.
  • Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.
  • Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don’t brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn’t one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.
  • Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top.

Wait There’s more

  • Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs
  • RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
  • 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

How to Apply:

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the subject line SR. FOOD SCIENTIST or click the apply button

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

  • Food Scientist

    7 months ago

    Toronto, Canada Stefanini Full time

    **Stefanini is looking for a Food Scientist I in Gladstone, Toronto CAD** **Responsibilities**: - Conduct research and development activities to create new food products or improve existing ones - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new product concepts - Conduct trials in bakeries to test and optimize product formulations -...

  • Food Scientist

    7 months ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada fgf brands Full time

    **Job Description**: **Food Scientist** **We’re a naan traditional company** As a member of the R&D team, you will help develop bakery products which can be reproduced in a large scale food bakery manufacturing environment. **What FGF Offers**: - FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training. Unleashing Your...

  • Food Scientist

    7 months ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada fgf brands Full time

    **Job Description**: **Food Scientist**: **We’re a naan traditional company** **Summary** As a member of the R&D team, you will help develop bakery products which can be reproduced in a large scale food bakery manufacturing environment. **What FGF Offers**: - FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training....

  • Food Scientist I

    7 months ago

    Toronto, Canada Stefanini Full time

    **Stefanini is looking for a Food Scientist I in Gladstone, Toronto CAD** For quick apply, please reach out to **Cathryn Villanueva** **Responsibilities**: - Conduct research and development activities to create new food products or improve existing ones - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new product concepts - Conduct...

  • Formulation Scientist for Food and Beverages

    7 days ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Ya YA Foods Corp (RP0001) Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Formulation Scientist to join our team at Ya YA Foods Corp (RP0001). This role is responsible for the development and formulation of new food products, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards.

  • Food Scientist

    4 days ago

    Toronto, Canada Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. Full time

    Are you hungry to innovate? To do things differently? To work with a company that’s real, thoughtful and very forward-thinking? Meet Riverside. We are an organic, “better for you” snack company, manufacturing award-winning, nutritious, allergen-free snacks. Your kids know us as MadeGood, tasty school-safe snacks. Your workout buddies grab GoodTo Go...

  • Manager - Sr&ed (Finance & Tax)

    5 months ago

    Toronto, Canada RSM US LLP Full time

    We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, inclusive culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll...

  • Food Scientist

    7 months ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada fgf brands Full time

    **Job Description**: **Food Scientist**: **We’re a naan traditional company** **Summary** As a member of the R&D team, you will help develop bakery products which can be reproduced in a large scale food bakery manufacturing environment. **What FGF Offers**: - FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training....

  • Food Product Development Assistant

    4 months ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada Scarlett House Food Group Inc. Full time

    Are you passionate about culinary innovation and eager to support our team in crafting exceptional food products? Join our dynamic team as a Food Product Development Assistant and be at the heart of creating the next big sensation in the culinary world. In this exciting role, you’ll work directly with our Senior Product Development Chef, contributing to...

  • Applied Research Scientist

    5 months ago

    Toronto, Canada DECIEM Full time

    **WHAT ON EARTH IS DECIEM?** Known as “The Abnormal Beauty Company”, DECIEM is the parent company of The Ordinary, NIOD, and other beauty brands & is an industry disruptor with a science first approach to innovation. DECIEM was Co-Founded in 2013 by the late Brandon Truaxe, a visionary who set out to change the beauty industry through authenticity and...

  • Data Scientist

    1 week ago

    Toronto, Canada McCain Foods (Canada) Full time

    **Position Title**:Data Scientist **Position Type**: Regular - Full-Time **Position Location**:Flexible across Canada **Requisition ID**: 18048 We know the importance that food plays in people's lives - the power it has to bring people, families and communities together. Our purpose is to bring enjoyment to people’s lives through great tasting food, in...

  • Data Scientist

    7 days ago

    Toronto, Canada McCain Foods (Canada) Full time

    **Position Title**:Data Scientist **Position Type**: Regular - Full-Time **Position Location**: Florenceville GTC **Grade**: Grade 04 **Requisition ID**: 18048 We know the importance that food plays in people's lives - the power it has to bring people, families and communities together. Our purpose is to bring enjoyment to people’s lives through great...

  • Research Scientist

    7 months ago

    Toronto, Canada Autodesk Full time

    Job Requisition ID # - 24WD76746 Position Overview The HCI & Visualization Research Group at Autodesk Research is seeking an experienced research scientist to work on the latest research topics at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and Artificial Intelligence. This broad topic area could encompass research on: how to interact with generative AI...

  • Product Development Scientist

    4 weeks ago

    Old Toronto, Canada Mondelez International Full time

    About Mondelez InternationalMondelez International is a leading snack company in Canada with several iconic brands such as Cadbury, OREO, and Maynards. With a presence across Ontario, we have invested heavily in our plants and manufacturing facilities.Compensation and BenefitsWe offer a competitive full-time salary, typical business hours with flexibility...

  • Tax Strategy Lead for Innovation and Growth

    4 weeks ago

    Old Toronto, Canada Grant Thornton - Canada Full time

    Company OverviewAt Grant Thornton - Canada, we value our colleagues, clients, and communities. We are a large professional services firm with over 3000 employees across Canada, offering a supportive environment that still feels like a community.We employ engineers, scientists, and financial professionals who work together as a national team to assist clients...

  • Data Scientist and Software Developer

    4 weeks ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Hire Intellect Full time

    Job Title: Data Scientist and Software DeveloperAbout the Company:Hire Intellect is a Crown corporation that provides specialized and personalized financial services to farming operations. Our client offers financing, insurance, software, learning programs, and other business services to producers, agribusiness owners, and agri-food entrepreneurs across the...

  • Manager, Scientific Research

    7 months ago

    Toronto, Canada MNP Full time

    Inspirational, innovative and entrepreneurial - this is how we describe our empowered teams. Combine your passion with purpose and join a culture that is thriving in the face of change. Make an impact with our Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) team as a Manager. This diverse team of professionals delivers customized tax strategies...

  • Sr. Medical Writer

    6 hours ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada sixsense strategy group Full time

    About Us:We are Sixsense Strategy Group (www.sixsenseinc.com), a boutique consulting company with a singular focus on the life sciences industry. Our strategists and scientists collaborate to provide a unique and refreshing approach to strategy. We work with a breadth of clients, especially those launching new therapies or entering new disease areas and...

  • Sr. Medical Writer

    7 days ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada sixsense strategy group Full time

    About Us:We are Sixsense Strategy Group (www.sixsenseinc.com), a boutique consulting company with a singular focus on the life sciences industry. Our strategists and scientists collaborate to provide a unique and refreshing approach to strategy. We work with a breadth of clients, especially those launching new therapies or entering new disease areas and...

  • Sr. Medical Writer

    3 weeks ago

    Greater Toronto Area, Canada sixsense strategy group Full time

    About Us:We are Sixsense Strategy Group (www.sixsenseinc.com), a boutique consulting company with a singular focus on the life sciences industry. Our strategists and scientists collaborate to provide a unique and refreshing approach to strategy. We work with a breadth of clients, especially those launching new therapies or entering new disease areas and...