R&D Specialist

Puratos; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Puratos invites a skilled Food Science professional to lead local research, development, and adaptation of Patisserie Mixes in Mississauga, contributing to business growth and R&D excellence.

You will collaborate with Sales, Regulatory, Marketing, and Operations to ensure compliant, cost-effective, and high-performing products for customers and markets.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Food Science or related discipline; master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years in food product development or technical sales in baking/patisserie/ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new and tailor-made products aligned with customer needs and market opportunities.
• Recommend concepts based on market trends, R&D innovation and customer insights.
• Ensure development is supported by technical documentation and IP practices.
• Adapt formulas to improve cost, productivity and performance.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs and Marketing on cleaner-label opportunities.
• Proactively optimize the product portfolio through SKU rationalization.

Skills

Food science background

R&D experience

Analytical thinking

Project leadership

English proficiency

Education

BSc in Food Science

MSc preferred

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We are more than 10.000 employees in over 85 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To strengthen our team in Mississauga, Canada, we are looking for:

Your Mission

Reporting to R&D Director Patisserie, you will be responsible of leading local research, development and/or adaptation of Patisserie Mixes in the Company in order to contribute to the business growth and operational efficiency, contributing to the financial growth of the Strategic Business Unit Patisserie by providing the necessary research and development expertise and assistance to ensure the continued success in sales & product development with new & existing customers.

What you will do

• Lead the development of new and tailor-made products aligned with customer needs, market opportunities and the innovation stage-gate process.
• Recommend new concepts and business opportunities based on market trends, R&D innovation and customer insights.
• Ensure product development is supported by complete technical documentation, sound IP practices and confidentiality.
• Adapt existing formulas to improve cost, productivity and performance, including raw material rationalization.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Marketing on cleaner-label opportunities and compliant formula transitions.
• Proactively optimize the product portfolio through SKU rationalization, positioning and continuous improvement.

Customer & Business Development Support

• Support Sales in identifying new opportunities, understanding local market needs and protecting products at risk.
• Deliver customer presentations, seminars and technical demonstrations that communicate product benefits.
• Provide plant-level technical support and troubleshooting to ensure strong product performance.

Technical Governance, Quality & Operations

• Maintain accurate, accessible project and technical documentation in line with NPD procedures and support item control activities.
• Support Operations and Quality with root-cause analysis, rework recommendations and annual review of non-conformities.
• Follow all safety, food safety and quality procedures; promptly report issues and complete other assignments from the Manager.
• Build deep product knowledge through training, field experience and collaboration with business unit and R&D specialists.
• Develop a commercially valuable network across customers, suppliers, researchers and the international R&D community.
• Share intelligence on innovative raw materials and technologies that can differentiate the product portfolio.

What we expect from you

• Post-secondary degree in Food Science or a related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum five years of experience in food product development or technical sales, ideally within the baking, patisserie or ingredients industry.
• Strong scientific foundation with practical problem-solving, analytical and planning capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French is an asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP experience is an asset.
• Proactive, organized and able to lead multiple projects, challenge the status quo and improve processes.
• Customer-oriented, collaborative and creative, with strong business development and networking skills and a passion for food.
• Self-motivated and adaptable in a changing environment, available to travel up to 30%, and committed to Puratos values: Team Spirit, Ethics, Quality, Passion, Courage and Vision

What you can expect from Puratos

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respectful work environment by putting people first.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.We are more than 10.000 employees in over 80 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.