Director of Scientific and Consumer Affairs - Royal Canin (Canada)

Mars, Incorporated; Guelph; On-site; CAD 212,000 - 279,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food company is seeking a Director of Scientific and Consumer Affairs in Guelph, Ontario. This role requires a strategic leader with over 10 years of experience in the Veterinary and Health Sciences industry. The successful candidate will lead a diverse team, drive innovation, ensure quality compliance, and manage stakeholder relationships. A strong background in scientific communication and team development is essential. This position offers competitive salary and progressive opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Best-in-class learning and development support

Company bonus

Qualifications

• 10+ years business experience in Veterinary, Nutrition and/or Health Sciences industry.
• 8+ years management experience, managing Managers required.
• Previous experience on Executive Leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing team across various domains.
• Integrate scientific communication strategies into business direction.
• Ensure compliance with quality and food safety policies.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Scientific Communication

Bilingual (French and English)

Education

DVM degree or Bachelor's in Health Sciences

Job description

Overview

Job Description: The Director of Scientific and Consumer Affairs develops and deploys go-to-market strategies, leads a diverse team of subject matter experts (Scientific Communication, Scientific Affairs, Scientific Support, Technical Services, and Consumer Care), oversees functional teams, and drives innovation to strengthen Royal Canin’s reputation in Canada.

As part of the Canadian Senior Leadership Team, the Director helps shape and execute enterprise strategies for Royal Canin Canada, contributes to business performance and reputation management among pet professionals and pet owners, and collaborates with the General Manager and other leaders to foster a high-performance culture across the organization.

What are we looking for?

• DVM degree or Bachelors Degree with a combination of education and relevant experience in Health Sciences and Scientific Communications.
• 10+ years of business experience in the Veterinary, Nutrition and/or Health Sciences industry with increasing responsibility.
• 8+ years of previous management experience (Experience managing Managers is required).
• Previous experience on Executive Leadership teams.
• Previous track record of building and leading high performing teams of Subject Matter Experts (DVMs and RVTs).
• Bilingual (French and English) is preferred.
• 25% Travel is required (Within Canada).

What will be your key responsibilities?

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of subject matter experts across Scientific Communications, Scientific Affairs, Technical Services, and Consumer Care.
• Inspire alignment and commitment to a unified vision and strategy that supports Royal Canin Canada’s business priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team and across internal stakeholders.

Scientific Affairs & Communication

• Integrate the Scientific Communications strategies and plans into Royal Canin Canada’s strategic direction.
• Develop and execute, in collaboration with Sales/Marketing, comprehensive customer outreach (across the veterinary and pet specialty channels) that drives professional recommendation and trust with priority partners.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with individual KOLs, expert groups, veterinary schools, and professional communities (e.g., CVUC, OVC, CEMI).
• Oversees veterinary school programs and lead local feeding and clinical trials in collaboration with the Royal Canin Global HQ (i.e. “Campus”) and marketing teams.
• Drive scientific thought leadership internally and externally, ensuring alignment with Royal Canin’s nutrition philosophy, brand reputation and customer needs.

Technical Services & Consumer Care

• Provide expert nutritional guidance and case consultation services to veterinary clinics, ensuring high-quality support.
• Develop and implement a Consumer Affairs vision and strategy aligned with Royal Canin’s business model and scientific leadership goals.
• Promote collaboration and operational efficiency between Technical Services, Consumer Care, and internal stakeholders across Canada and North America.
• Ensure compliance with Mars Quality, Food Safety Policies, and Quality Management System standards.

Innovation Management

• Support the launch and marketing of new innovations by providing scientific validation, claim substantiation, and collaboration with research partners and regulators.

Compliance and Quality Culture

• Champion adherence to Mars Quality and Food Safety policies, demonstrating a strong quality culture in all actions and communications.
• Manage dotted-line relationships with Consumer Affairs and Regulatory Affairs teams within the region.

Additional Information

• Member of the Royal Canin Canada Strategic Leadership Team and the Crisis Management Team (Canada and North America).
• Collaborates closely with Global stakeholders including Global Scientific Communications and Scientific Affairs Manager, Global Consumer Care Manager, Global Reg Affairs Manager.
• Collaborates closely with US Director of Veterinary Affairs and US Consumer Care Director.
• Responsible (in conjunction with the legal and regulatory functions) for ensuring that all communications, packaging and claims meet regulatory standards and are scientifically accurate.
• This role manages a team of approximately 5 direct reports (including Managers) and ~15 total associates.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between the below range CAD 212,544.00 - CAD 278,964.00. Please note: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. AI is used as a supporting tool in our recruitment process.