Senior Product Developer

FGF Brands; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading North American artisan bakery is seeking a Senior Product Developer to oversee product development in the Artisan Bread category. This role involves leading trials, mentoring team members, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of experience in food manufacturing, a degree in Food Science or related field, and a passion for baking. FGF offers competitive compensation, health benefits, and opportunities for career growth. Early morning availability and a valid Ontario G driver’s license are required.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Health benefits

RRSP matching program

Tuition reimbursement

Discount program

Qualifications

• 5-7 years’ experience in a food manufacturing facility.
• Passionate about professional baking with commercial experience.
• Experience with bakery operations and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead product trials and run development samples.
• Guide junior team members in producing samples.
• Conduct quality audits and collaborate on troubleshooting.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Mechanical skills

Analytical mindset

Microsoft Excel

Education

B.Sc. in Food Science

Culinary Diploma/Baking Program

Job description

Job Description

Summary

A leading North American artisan bakery, ACE Bakery (Division of FGF) specializes in premium all natural artisan bakery products. Using time-honored European traditions and techniques, ACE Bakery has created a legacy of high-quality delicious breads, recognized by many of the top chefs across North America.

The Senior Product Developer will be a technical expert within our Artisan Bread category, overseeing and executing hands‑on work in pilot and bakery activities. This role will be responsible for leading plant trials, optimizing product development processes, and providing advanced technical insights, particularly in automation and equipment capabilities. As a senior member of the team, you will mentor product developers and co‑op students, drive process innovation, and collaborate cross‑functionally with internal and external stakeholders.

To thrive in this position, you must be self‑driven, possess strong leadership qualities, and excel in a fast‑paced environment (as well as early mornings!)

What FGF Offers

• FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training. Unleashing Your Potential
• Competitive Compensation, Health Benefits, & a generous flexible medical / Health spending account
• RRSP matching program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping etc.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead product trials, run development samples, and create product specifications, providing comprehensive information (product characteristics, costs, ingredients, bake times, case packs, distribution, etc.)
• Manage complex sample order requests, overseeing the manufacture of sample boards for designated customers
• Guide junior team members in producing sample items to specification, while ensuring that recipes and product specifications are strictly followed by production teams
• Offer technical leadership in process improvements to production and packing teams, maintaining superior product quality
• Conduct quality audits and collaborate on troubleshooting efforts as needed.
• Lead product sensory trials, both internally and externally
• Ensure regulatory compliance for all products, including labels, ingredients, and supplier information
• Serve as a key point of contact for customers, addressing inquiries and coordinating cross-functional projects · Drive automation efforts, working closely with equipment and engineering teams to enhance efficiency and capability · Coach and develop team members, contributing to their professional growth and building the department's technical expertise · Perform other related duties as required

Required Experience

• A Sc. in Food Science or a related Science discipline or Culinary Diploma/ Baking/Pastry Program
• Passion for professional baking, with experience in a commercial/manufacturing setting
• Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in a food manufacturing facility
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and mentor team members
• Extensive knowledge of bakery operations and machinery, with strong mechanical skills
• Experience in working with automation in a production setting
• Exceptional problem‑solving abilities, with a strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Ability to work early mornings and flexible hours as needed
• Willingness to travel for business requirements as needed
• Must have a valid Ontario G driver’s license and access to a vehicle

What is the recipe for a great career at FGF?

Working at FGF Brands, there is never a dull moment! As a successful company that is continually growing there is always challenging yet rewarding work to be a part of. We have an entrepreneurial spirit which encourages all our team members to use their own creativity and out of the box thinking to come up with solutions and new ideas.

"In compliance with Ontario’s Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current, existing vacancy within our organization."

Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added or this description may be amended at any time.