Manager Product Development

Metro Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 78,880 - 103,530; Full time

Job summary

Metro Inc. is seeking a Manager Product Development to lead private label product development and commercialization, ensuring quality, brand standards, and regulatory compliance across categories.

You will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors from concept to launch, manage PLM workflows, and translate market trends into compelling product ideas. The role requires leading multiple projects, maintaining documentation, and delivering products that meet customer expectations and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or related field.
• 5–7 years experience in the food industry, product development or private label.
• Experience in sensory evaluation across food categories.
• Proficiency in MS Office; SAP and PLM/PPM systems are assets.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of private label products from concept to commercialization, aligned with brand standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage PLM system updates and project tracking with cross-functional teams.
• Create detailed product specifications to support sourcing and vendor bids.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and provide data-driven feedback for product optimization.
• Review and approve product specifications, formulations, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with Corporate Brands, Procurement and vendor partners on category strategies.

Skills

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

BSc Food Science

Tools

SAP

PLM/PPM systems

Job description

Position Title: Manager Product Development

Job Requisition ID: 48744

Career Group (ADSP): Administration

Division: Nat - Marques privées (80069738)

Department: Private Label

Work Location: ON - 5559 DUNDAS STREET W

Province: Ontario

The typical salary range for this position is $78,880.00 - $103,530.00 annually. The base salary offered will be determined based on the candidate’s job‑related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and internal equity considerations.

This posting is for an existing temporary vacancy ending on July 2nd, 2027.

Summary

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of private label products that support category strategies and uphold Metro’s brand standards for quality, performance, and value. Working closely with internal cross‑functional teams and external vendor partners, this role provides technical, sensory, and quality expertise throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects from concept through launch, ensuring quality products and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development of private label products from strategic concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with category objectives, brand standards, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage product development activities within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, maintaining accurate and timely project updates throughout the development process.
• Create detailed product specifications to support sourcing initiatives, and vendor bids.
• Participate in sensory evaluations across food categories and provide objective, fact‑driven feedback to support product optimization, and selection.
• Ensure product claims, attributes, and preparation instructions are evaluated and accurately documented.
• Conduct technical and sensory assessments of products from prospective and alternate suppliers, providing feedback based on quality, performance, and customer expectations.
• Review, validate, and approve product specifications, formulations, and supporting technical documentation.
• Investigate and resolve formulation related issues associated with first production, ingredient changes, and supplier reformulations.
• Serve as a technical resource for Corporate Brands, Procurement, and vendor partners, providing category and product expertise as required.
• Conduct market assessments, competitive benchmarking, and product evaluations to identify potential opportunities and ensure alignment with consumer and industry trends.
• Support assortment reviews, trend analysis, and product research initiatives that contribute to category development, growth, and strategic decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5–7 years experience within the food industry, preferably in Product Development or Private Label development.
• Experience in sensory evaluation across food categories.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience with SAP is considered an asset.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and/or Product Portfolio Management (PPM) systems is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of food regulations, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.

Skills And Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high quality standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and results oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative cross‑functional team environment.

Additional Information

The responsibilities and relationships assigned to this role may change as necessary to achieve Metro's business objectives.

Disclosure on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: At METRO, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our hiring practices. In compliance with Ontario's Employment Standards Act (Bill 149), we disclose that METRO and certain third‑party job boards we use incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for positions. The use of AI helps us efficiently review the large volume of applications we receive, ensuring that every candidate's profile is considered promptly and consistently. This technology supports our goal of providing an equitable and streamlined recruitment experience for all applicants. While AI tools support our recruitment procedures, all decisions throughout the process are made exclusively by METRO's Talent Acquisition team or METRO employees. At no stage does AI determine recruitment outcomes.

METRO is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that reflects the communities we serve. The company values, respects and relies on the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and points of view because it allows us to innovate, make better decisions and better understand our customers. We will consider qualified applications from all walks of life to build the best team.

We encourage you to let us know if your current condition requires accommodation in the recruitment process so that we can accommodate you.

Please note that we will only contact those whose applications are selected.

We respectfully request that agencies do not contact us or send us unsolicited applications.