Research & Development Leader

fishRecruit Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company is seeking a Research & Development Leader to drive clean-label dessert innovation. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of R&D leadership experience in food science and a strong track record of product development. This hybrid role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams and regular presence at the company's offices in Etobicoke, Ontario. Competitive compensation and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of R&D leadership experience in sweet baked goods or CPG bakery manufacturing.
• Proven track record with Stage-Gate and HACCP/BRCGS standards.
• Experience in dynamic, scaling environments.

Responsibilities

• Define the R&D vision and align it with the company’s growth strategy.
• Lead product innovation from ideation to commercialization.
• Develop and mentor an R&D team and strengthen supplier partnerships.

Skills

R&D leadership experience

Technical knowledge of ingredient functionality

Strong problem-solving skills

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science

Job description

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The company is seeking a Research & Development Leader to build and lead a high-performing R&D function focused on clean-label dessert innovation and renovation. This role will lead disciplined Stage-Gate product development, ensure smooth scale-up, and maintain strong specification standards that reflect the company’s premium, natural brand promise.

The R&D leader will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to deliver profitable, scalable desserts and strengthen the company’s position as a leader in gourmet pastries. This hybrid role requires regular presence at the company’s primary offices and plant in Etobicoke, Ontario, as well as travel as needed for business purposes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the R&D vision and align it with the company’s growth strategy and brand promise.
• Lead product and process innovation from ideation to commercialization for cakes, cakelets, cheesecakes, cupcakes, and tarts.
• Build disciplined product development practices using a clear Stage-Gate framework.
• Optimize formulations and processes to improve margins without compromising taste, quality, or presentation.
• Maintain strong quality and regulatory alignment to support labeling accuracy, compliance, and market expansion.
• Partner with major retail and foodservice customers to deliver timely and winning product solutions.
• Create and maintain integrated product specifications and ERP-linked documentation for consistent execution.
• Develop and mentor an R&D team, strengthen supplier partnerships, and encourage a culture of speed, accountability, and innovation.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science or related field.
• 10-15+ years of R&D leadership experience in sweet baked goods or CPG bakery manufacturing.
• Strong technical knowledge of ingredient functionality, bake science, shelf-life design, and process stability.
• Proven track record with Stage-Gate, DOE, SPC, HACCP/BRCGS standards, and ERP/PLM integration.
• Experience in private label co-development and technical sell-in to customers.
• Skilled in strategic planning, structured problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in dynamic, scaling environments with a bias for action and accountability.
• Leadership experience in blue-chip and mid-market companies preferred.

Employment details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research and Business Development
• Industries: Food and Beverage Services

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