Research and Development Manager

Summary

This Manager R&D role is a dynamic role that presents an opportunity for an emerging leader to take charge of category project work within our Product Development function across our Bread and Alternatives category. As a technical leader this role is in charge of developing new products from scratch formulation as well as assessing the appropriate process technologies for progressing innovation, margin improvement/productivity, quality improvement and overall portfolio optimization across their assigned suite of products. This role also provides exposure as primary developer and/or technical lead with some of our largest customers.

The Manager R&D will lead important business development and will be instrumental in unlocking breakthrough innovation and delivering delicious products as well as driving technical expertise in the areas of product development and processing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drives the creation new products and innovation as well as line extensions bringing forward new concepts to create a competitive advantage
• Assess manufacturing processes to identify process improvements leveraging existing assets or potential capital investments
• Communicates and works closely with teams such as: sales, packaging R&D, operations, finance and technical services to commercialize projects for new business and cost savings opportunities
• Plays the lead role in maintaining relationships with key customers, incumbent suppliers as well as selecting and qualifying new vendors
• Leads product development through the entire process – including product formulation, sourcing ingredients & suppliers, developing prototypes, laboratory testing, managing plant trials and gaining necessary approvals for final product specifications and shelf life
• Successfully manages multi variable projects with stringent timelines
• Provides hands on expertise in running well organized and productive lab and plant trials

Required Experience

• B.A.Sc. in Food Science or a related Science/ Engineering degree
• Passionate for baking, with skills in professional hand shaping
• 5 or more years' experience in a food manufacturing facility with at least 2 years as a Manager/ Leader of an R&D team
• Previous experience as a customer lead would be an asset
• Enjoys teaching and guiding others
• Ability to see the big picture yet also roll up their sleeves to get the work done
• Proven collaborator with an ability to communicate projects with a single R&D Technical Voice
• Strong mechanical competency and affinity for complex machinery
• Demonstrated excellence in project management and ability to take the lead
• Excellent presentation skills and professional presence
• The ability to travel to other bakery sites and work flexible hours as required

FGF Group Competencies:

Adaptive Intelligence - Team Members respond effectively to challenges by evolving their skills, mindset, and approach.

• Flexibility, Agility, Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environments by embracing continuous change. Quickly adjusts to new priorities and actively seeks innovative solutions. Uses setbacks as opportunities for growth
• and applies a relentless focus on improving outcomes. Approaches challenges with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset and openness to feedback.
• Calculated Risk-Taking: Makes strategic decisions by evaluating options and creating contingency plans.

Collaborative Intelligence - Collaborative intelligence empowers teams to unlock collective strengths and achieve results through synergy and mutual trust.

• Team First and Collaboration: Engages with Team Members and colleagues, builds relationships, and fosters an inclusive, innovative environment.

Entrepreneurial Intelligence - Equips Team Members to identify opportunities, overcome setbacks, and move ideas to execution effectively.

• Continuous Improvement: Drives innovation and optimizes processes to enhance quality and productivity.
• Customer and Product Focus: Addresses need proactively with accountability and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Fierce Execution: Achieves results with a strategic and hands-on approach, learning from mistakes and building trust.

Leadership Competencies

Inspire & Energize Team Members

• Continually inspires and develops Team Members​ and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Supports, shared knowledge and experience with your Team through authentic conversations and development planning
• Communicates clear expectations​
• Uses insight and knowledge to influence others​
• Understands and acknowledge differences and modifies style to support unleashing potential
• Demonstrates patience and empathy, while listening​

Create Winning Relationships​

• Inspire enthusiasm & commitment by communicating a clear path to success​
• Empowers others by delegating and providing support and opportunities for growth​
• Identifies, raises and resolves conflict​
• Builds trust and models the "Coach Approach"​

Entrepreneurial Leadership​

• Encourages informed risk-taking and supports learning from outcomes.
• Creates an environment where your team enjoys working hard while having fun​
• Provides feedback to reinforce results​

Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills.  Please keep in mind that other duties may be added, or this description may be amended at any time.

In compliance with Ontario's Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current existing vacancy within our organization.

We affirm that our hiring process, including candidate screening, evaluation, and selection, does not involve the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools. All assessments and decisions are conducted by qualified human professionals to ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with Bill 149.

#INDOPBR