Food Product Scientist 1

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Mississauga is seeking a Product Scientist 1 to lead product development from concept to full-scale manufacturing. This role requires passion for food science, problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Applicants should have a B.Sc. in Food Science or related disciplines and minimum 3 years of experience in product development. The company emphasizes sustainability and offers competitive health benefits from day one.

Benefits

Competitive Health and Wellness benefits

Inclusive company culture

High-performance work environment

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 3 years' experience in Product Development, Operations, or Quality Control.
• Must enjoy and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility in schedule is required due to plant trials and start-ups.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development from concept to full-scale manufacture.
• Conduct assessments of product issues and resolve technical challenges.
• Prepare and present technical reports/results clearly.

Skills

Team oriented

Self-motivated

Good communication skills

Functionally competent in Microsoft 365

Education

B.Sc. or College Diploma in Food Science/Technology

Job description

The Opportunity:

The position of Product Scientist 1 will appeal to individuals who enjoy the challenge of participating in the creation and execution of new and improved/modified products. This opportunity is based out of Mississauga, Ontario. The individual will need to be self‑motivated, team oriented, personally accountable, enjoy a fast‑paced environment, determined in their pursuit of the end goal and capable of bringing creative approaches to the resolution of the broad array of challenges with which they will be confronted. They must also enjoy the hands‑on nature of the job that will require involvement in plant activities. A passion for food science and technology together with the ability to translate theory to practice are critical.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by February 04. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount / Incremental Headcount
Base Salary: $58,000 – $87,000 CAD base pay annually

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Leads product development through all stages of work; concept to bench‑top prototype development and full‑scale manufacture in support of new products and/or product modifications
• Conduct assessment of problematic product issues and work as part of a team to resolve the technical challenges
• Develops draft product costs and Bill of Materials to support the cross functional team
• Participates in cross functional team connections for relevant projects
• Reviews and documents raw ingredients, formulations and final product specifications for the purpose of maintaining accurate records and to ensure compliance with Regulations and Company standards
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures for products within their responsibility
• Ensures Regulatory compliance of products by interfacing with Regulatory Affairs
• Consults and provides direction to internal customers (i.e. Purchasing/Marketing/Manufacturing/Quality Assurance) by communicating information for projects
• Participates in product sensory trials using internal and external panels
• Independently develops project work plans to execute projects efficiently while incorporating aspects from the scientific method
• Independently manages a diverse list of projects and can prioritize tasks effectively
• Consults technical resources (literature, technical papers, academia) to further product knowledge and apply the learning to execute projects
• Conducts competitive reviews to assist in identifying opportunities for product improvement and innovation
• Assists with identification and development of ideas for technology improvements / cost savings
• Maintains current knowledge by reading and disseminating relevant information from academic and trade literature
• Interfaces with and leverages the supplier and academic community to achieve project goals
• Maintains project files to ensure collection and transfer of learning and knowledge as well as eligibility for Income Tax Credits
• Maintains confidentiality of projects, data and other matters relating to MLF business
• Prepares and presents technical reports/results, both written and oral, to associates, peers and occasionally to management with business and scientific clarity

What You’ll Bring:

• B.Sc. or College Diploma in Food Science/Technology or a related science discipline or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Product Development, Operations or Quality Control
• Functionally competent in Microsoft 365 programs
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Must enjoy and thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Flexibility of schedule – schedule may require various start times due to plant trials and start ups

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:

• Being part of a high‑performance, people‑focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
• An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
• Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.

About Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science‑based targets.

We’re a global food company with more than 13,500 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values‑based culture

Our eight Leadership Values are our north star. They guide the decisions we make for all our stakeholders: our consumers, our customers, our people, our communities, our shareholders, and the environment.

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at [e-mail].

The above base salary reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job‑related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part‑time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.

Disclaimer: Please note that salaries posted on sites other than the MLF Careers Page are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods and are an estimated salary range provided by that particular job board. Maple Leaf Foods offers competitive wages and an attractive total rewards package, which will be discussed during an interview with our Talent Team.