R&D Manager

About the role

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a 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. You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com . We're looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking R&D manager to join our thriving team based in North York. The R&D Manager will play a key role in enhancing product quality and affordability of our core products while elevating team capabilities and instilling a culture of technical discipline and creative problem-solving. As the R&D manager, you will be responsible for strengthening our current product portfolio through driving quality improvements, exploring cost saving opportunities and collaborating with operations to troubleshoot processing issues and optimize line efficiencies. If you're looking to make a real, tangible impact on the R&D department, have strong technical experience and have a knack for seeking out discomfort, then this role is for you. Reporting to the R&D director, the R&D manager will be technically curious, with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and a passion for using numbers to demonstrate impact through improving the quality of our products, cost savings and process optimization. This role is fast-paced and will require the ability to make quick data driven decisions, take calculated risks and embrace change. You will have the opportunity to lead and coach a team of food technologists to senior scientists, championing technical excellence with a strong focus on the bigger picture. Primary Responsibilities: Driving Continuous Improvement Accountable for leading R&D-driven initiatives to improve quality, lower costs and optimize efficiency on our production lines. Coaches the team to creatively assess raw materials, formulations, and processing costs to identify savings opportunities without compromising product quality. Identifies when sensory validation is required to guide project decisions and ensures decisions are based on robust sensory data. Guides the team to develop robust technical recommendations based on thorough data analysis (using appropriate statistical methods) and sound scientific reasoning. Guides the team to troubleshoot real-time production issues on the factory floor using a scientific approach, collaborating with stakeholders to arrive at evidence-based solutions. Responsible for enabling proactive and timely R&D collaboration with key stakeholders such as FSQA and Procurement to ensure our consumers receive consistently high-quality products. Coaches team to deliver and maintain accurate, clear and appropriately detailed technical specifications (formulations, procedures, visual standards) across all technical systems. Collaborates with engineering and other internal partners to ensure required product quality standards are met during commissioning of new equipment. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, positivity and accepting change. Proactively explores ways to improve and enhance R&D processes to streamline for efficiency. Technical Excellence Leads and provides technical coaching to a team of technologists to senior food scientists to deliver on R&D objectives and to achieve their developmental goals. Strengthen technical capabilities within the team to drive higher technical confidence through targeted coaching and development of tools and training on critical thinking, experimental design and data-driven technical decision making. Foster technical relationships with key ingredient and equipment suppliers to deepen technical knowledge on ingredient functionality and application in our products. Understands how technical data relates to business goals and strategically communicates it to inform and influence impactful business decisions. Accountable for ensuring delivery of shelf-life reports for changes to existing formulations and supports the team to flag technical risks in a timely manner. Cross-functional Collaboration Collaborates meaningfully with other functions (Innovation, Packaging R&D, FSQA, Regulatory, Production) to share technical knowledge, process improvements, and collectively drive scientific and technical expertise at Riverside. Education and Qualifications Undergraduate degree

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