R & D Technologist (Product Development)

About Us:

Tradition Fine Foods Ltd. is a second-generation family-owned company founded in 1982, based in Scarborough, Ontario. We are a market leader in "thaw and serve" baking technology, specializing in frozen sweet goods like muffins, croissants, and pastries for retail, foodservice, and contract manufacturing. We are known for our high-quality products, innovation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Position Summary:

The R&D Technologist is responsible for leading the development and optimization of high-quality sweet and savory bakery and snack products across all six Tradition Fine Foods production lines. The role involves continuous learning, technical expertise, and strategic contributions to enhance product innovation and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the development and optimization of sweet and savoury bakery and snack products, ensuring quality and consistency across all production lines.
• Assist in the preparation, execution and documentation of production trials, both internal and customer-facing, providing accurate summaries and supporting information flow throughout the commercialization process.
• Perform product analysis, sensory evaluations, batching, and sample preparation in the lab to ensure product specifications and quality standards are met.
• Prepare in a timely manner demonstration samples and prototypes for customers, as requested by the Projects and Sales teams, including coordination of sample shipments.
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring the TFF commercialization timelines, driving efficiency and innovation. Prepare Bench top lab samples to be scaled for Production trial execution.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation for formulations, SQF compliance, raw materials, nutritional information, and allergens. Lead the formulation control process.
• Contribute to the upkeep of the product development lab, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and proper maintenance of equipment and raw materials.
• Support the evaluation of new ingredients and flavors to confirm compliance with specifications and quality standards including shelf life.
• Stay informed on industry developments, initiate and manage studies/projects to apply new technologies to existing products, and actively network to stay current with customer and consumer trends.
• Assist in evaluating alternative ingredients and process improvements to reduce costs while maintaining quality.
• Participate in product shelf-life studies to ensure product stability and quality over time.
• Fulfill other R&D duties as required to support departmental objectives and organizational growth.

Physical Demands

• May be required to stand/sit for long periods of time
• Adapt to production shift times and needs that sometimes go beyond regular business hours.
• May engage in frequent bending, stooping or squatting
• Due to the environment, must be able to work in various weather and temperature conditions which include extreme heat, humidity and cold
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 10kg
• Must be able to work in tight or enclosed spaces
• May involve repetitive motions such as computer work/typing

Health and Safety

• Conduct all Job Tasks in a Safe and Responsible manner.
• Participate in all Health and Safety, GMP and HACCP training as required.
• Report any accidents, incidents and unsafe/hazardous conditions to your lead hand/supervisor.
• Report any damages of property and machinery to your lead hand/supervisor.
• Ensure that you use Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

Requirements:

• Post secondary diploma/degree in Food Science or a related field
• 2+ years' experience in a similar role would be considered an asset
• Pastry experience is a definite asset
• Experience in a Food Manufacturing Environment (HACCP)
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize on a regular basis
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to evaluate, discuss and/or form an opinion of laboratory test results
• Excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to work independently with a high degree of self-initiative

Benefits:

• We offer a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package (dental care, extended health care, life insurance, vision care), and opportunities for professional development and career growth.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our team members, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of application and employment processes.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Scarborough, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Do you have pastry experience?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• food manufacturing (HACCP): 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person