Research and Development Manager

Ready For a Tasty New Challenge?

Overview

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.

What Wonderbrands Offers:

• Wonderbrands believes in Home Grown Talent and accelerated career growth 
• Competitive Compensation, Health, and Dental Benefits
• Pension plan with matching contribution
• Quarterly incentive program
• Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping, etc. 

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

Qualifications

• B.A.Sc. in Food Science or a related Science/ Engineering degree
• Passion for baking 
• 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

What is the recipe for a great career at Wonderbrands

Wonderbrands, is a leading Canadian bakery with 140 years of experience in baking packaged breads.  We are the makers of Wonder Bread, Country Harvest, D'Italiano, Gadoua, and Casa Mendosa. We have a network of 14 Bakery Manufacturing facilities across Canada.

Wonderbrands, now part of the FGF Brands Group of companies, is unlocking an incredible opportunity for growth through a focus on production innovation capabilities, through a leading-edge supply chain practice and investing deeply in communities where we bake. We are heavily focused on embracing an entrepreneurial drive and a highly collaborative start up culture with an emphasis on cross-functional collaboration.

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

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.

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