Ingredient and Sustainability Formulation Lead

Mars, Incorporated; Alberta; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading premium pet food manufacturer in Alberta is seeking an Ingredient & Sustainability Formulation Lead to innovate pet food formulations focusing on sustainability. Responsibilities include researching ingredients, coordinating sustainability initiatives, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will possess a BSc in a related field, with strong skills in ingredient functionality, communication, and organization. Join us to make a difference in pet health and nutrition while enjoying competitive wages and great benefits.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Education Assistance Program

Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and animal health.
• Experience in product development and/or sourcing raw materials.
• Ability to interact with suppliers effectively.

Responsibilities

• Research and source new ingredients supporting sustainability goals.
• Lead formulation sustainability initiatives.
• Conduct nutritional evaluations of new ingredients for pets.

Skills

Ingredient functionality

Animal health analysis

Strong organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Familiarity with feed formulation

Education

Minimum BSc in agriculture, animal science, food science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Ingredient & Sustainability Formulation Lead to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award‑winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award‑winning company.

Here’s the Scoop – Summary

The Ingredient & Sustainability Formulation Lead is responsible for researching novel ingredient opportunities to be applied in Champion Petfoods’ products and ensure that our formulations and ingredients meet the required sustainability targets.

The incumbent will actively identify opportunities to expand and further differentiate our products from the competition by finding and developing ingredients that build upon our BAFRINO mandate and vision to Trusted by Pet Lovers Everywhere. The Ingredient and Sustainability Formulation Lead is based out of our Acheson, AB kitchen.

What a typical day looks like:

Ingredient Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Identify, research, and source new and alternative ingredients that support pet health and sustainability goals.
• Maintain and update a database of potential ingredients and suppliers; engage regularly to track trends and innovations.
• Oversee supplier relationships, including hosting on‑site visits for team learning and innovation.

Sustainability & Compliance

• Lead and coordinate formulation sustainability initiatives in partnership with Champion and MARS teams.
• Track, report, and ensure compliance with sustainability standards for all ingredients and formulations.

Nutritional & Technical Assessment

• Conduct nutritional evaluations of new ingredients for dogs and cats.
• Serve as a technical resource for R&I, supporting ingredient selection and novel technology adoption.
• Coordinate in vivo/in vitro studies and pilot plant trials with research teams.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Formulation, Product Development, Innovation, Quality Assurance, Ingredient Management, and Procurement teams to analyze, evaluate, and source ingredients.
• Collaborate on developing product claims for new ingredients.

Operational Support

• Manage purchase order creation and related administrative tasks for the R&I department.
• Actively participate in research and new product development projects.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum BSc in agriculture, animal science, food science or related field.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality and animal health, analysis, and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with feed formulation.
• Experience in product development and/or sourcing raw materials.
• Ability to interact with suppliers and influence partner abilities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must work well independently and on teams.
• Uses discretion and judgment in handling confidential, proprietary, or sensitive information.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, ISO, or other food safety processes & systems.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with company matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: A dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.