Product Development Assistant (18-month contract)

Give and Go Prepared Foods; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading North American manufacturer of baked goods is seeking a Product Development Assistant to support sample creation and product development strategies. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science or related fields and at least one year of food industry experience. This position offers a dynamic work environment with a strong emphasis on collaboration and creative solutions, alongside competitive benefits and a commitment to equality in employment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-year experience in the food industry.
• Experience as a cake decorator, baker, pâtissier, or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench work in the test kitchen and assist Product Developers.
• Perform Sensory Evaluation & Shelf Life studies.
• Assist in ordering ingredients and managing purchase orders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Collaboration skills

Creativity

Education

University degree in Food Science

Red Seal Certificate or equivalent

Tools

MS Office applications

Job description

Give & Go Prepared Foods Corp. is a proud member of the Mondelēz family. We are a leading, and growing, North American manufacturer of baked goods for over 30 years. If you're looking for a company that will provide you with opportunities for career growth and development, while working with an energetic team with deeply ingrained values of respect, direct and open communication, quality, and accountability, we’d love to have you join our team.

Our Consumer Brands include: Two-bite brand, Kimberley's Bakeshoppe, Mason St. Bakehouse, and The Worthy Crumb Pastry Co.

It’s an exciting time to be part of the Give & Go team as we are growing rapidly and want you to become a part of our bright future!

Job Overview

Responsible for assisting with product development, sample creation, and supporting the facilitation of development strategies. This position will help develop an understanding of the entire product development lifecycle, from sample selection to commercialization.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct bench work in the test kitchen, assisting Product Developers with baking prototypes, sample requests, and channel-specific items.
• Perform Sensory Evaluation & Shelf Life studies, collate and distribute data.
• Assist in ordering ingredients and managing purchase orders.
• Support plant trials under guidance, collecting samples and data.
• Contribute to project management activities to ensure timely completion of product development projects.
• Identify improvements and provide guidance on product upgrades.
• Observe all SQF and HACCP policies.
• Maintain accurate information flow between Development and Marketing teams.
• Learn computer systems for various record-keeping and reporting tasks.

The Recipe For Success

• University degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Culinary Management, Bakery Arts, or Pastry Chef.
• Minimum 1-year experience in the food industry.
• Experience as a cake decorator, baker, pâtissier, or similar role.
• Chefs of Bakers Red Seal Certificate or equivalent.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and multi-task effectively.
• Creative mindset aligned with consumer trends.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

What We Can Offer

We value diversity and culture, emphasizing our core values of Quality, Direct Communication, and Respect. We foster an environment of learning, sharing ideas, and growth.

We offer competitive benefits and promote work-life balance.

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply directly. Give & Go is committed to equal employment opportunities. For accommodations during recruitment, contact us at [e-mail], referencing "AODA". Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.