R&D Supervisor

R&D Supervisor– Toronto

Full-Time | Permanent Position

Location: Toronto, Ontario

About Solina Canada

Solina Canada is a national leader in the development and manufacturing of customized culinary solutions, including seasonings, marinades, sauces, broths, functional ingredient blends, and other value-added food solutions for the food industry.

Operating in Quebec (Laval and Boisbriand) and Ontario (Toronto), Solina Canada partners with leading food manufacturers, foodservice operators, and retailers across North America. Our success is built on innovation, technical expertise, customer focus, and collaboration.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced R&D Supervisor to lead all Research & Development activities at our Toronto facility.

Position Summary

The R&D Supervisor– Toronto is responsible for the overall management of all Research & Development activities at the Toronto facility.

This leadership role oversees a team of Food Scientists while managing multiple development projects from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will drive innovation, support business growth, optimize existing products and manufacturing processes, and ensure all R&D activities align with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and Solina Canada's strategic objectives.

This position is dedicated exclusively to the Toronto facility while collaborating with corporate functions and other Solina locations on strategic initiatives when required.

Key Responsibilities

R&D Project Management

• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple Research & Development projects based on business priorities and commercial timelines.
• Lead projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring deadlines, budgets, quality standards, and profitability objectives are achieved.
• Ensure product samples are developed and delivered according to customer expectations and established timelines.
• Maintain a structured project management process, including documentation, project tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring for all Toronto R&D activities.
• Prepare and communicate weekly, monthly, and quarterly project updates and key performance indicators.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of Food Scientists.
• Establish clear objectives, provide ongoing performance feedback, and support employee development.
• Promote collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the R&D team.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing related to product development, manufacturing processes, ingredients, and technical expertise.
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team environment aligned with Solina's values.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the development of innovative food products that meet customer expectations, market trends, and business objectives.
• Oversee formulation activities while ensuring compliance with internal procedures, customer specifications, food safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Resolve technical challenges related to product development, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and product performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing products, formulations, and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Stay informed on emerging food trends, ingredient technologies, and industry innovations.
• Provide technical expertise during customer meetings, product presentations, plant trials, and commercialization activities.
• Contribute to innovation initiatives supporting Solina Canada's continued growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Commercial, Innovation, and Corporate teams to support business development and customer success.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Production, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to optimize internal processes and improve overall business performance.
• Participate in corporate initiatives and collaborate with other Solina sites whenever required.

Quality, Food Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all product development and commercialization activities comply with internal quality standards and customer requirements.
• Support HACCP programs and food safety initiatives throughout the product development process.
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve products, processes, efficiencies, and technical practices.
• Ensure complia