Senior Research & Development (R&D) Manager – Food Industry

Hela Spice; Uxbridge; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Full benefits package

Travel coverage

Leadership opportunity in innovation

Job summary

Hela Spice in Uxbridge, Ontario, is looking for a Senior Research & Development (R&D) Manager to lead product development efforts in the food industry, particularly in meat and poultry. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in Food Science or a related field and extensive experience (10-15 years) in product development. Responsibilities include managing R&D teams, improving processes, and driving innovation while ensuring compliance with food regulations. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of product development experience in the food industry, preferably related to meat.
• 5+ years of direct management experience of a large technical team.
• Understanding of food regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product development and improve existing processes.
• Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and project deliverables.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product launches.

Skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Food Engineering, or Chemistry

Job description

Senior Research & Development (R&D) Manager – Food Industry

Location: Uxbridge, Ontario
Job Type: Full-Time, On Site

About Us

Hela Spice Canada Inc. is a leading food product manufacturer in Canada, specializing in the design and formulation of customized products: spice/seasoning mixtures and complete solutions for the meat, dairy, snack, vegetarian, bakery, and other food industry sectors.

Our team of highly trained food industry specialists provide technical assistance to clients, supported by our on-site meat pilot plant, test kitchen, microbiology laboratory, and blending facilities. We also offer industry-specific training in meat technology, food ingredients, further reinforcing our reputation for innovation and quality.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research & Development (R&D) Manager with a strong background and knowledge of the food industry. This role will require one to lead new product development, improve existing processes and controls, and drive innovation that meets market demands and regulatory standards. Ideal candidate will also have the ability to diversify our core offerings into other food sectors and support the heavy focus on meat and poultry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship and technical guidance to all R&D team members.
• Promote exceptional performance and teamwork by implementing advanced management practices.
• Manage research, formulation, and development of new products from concept to commercialization.

• Monitor existing formulations and recommend improvements to facilitate better production.
• Oversee prototype testing, sensory evaluations, and shelf‑life studies to ensure superior product quality.
• Identify market trends, consumer needs, and emerging technologies to drive innovation.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, regulatory and operations teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Manage R&D budgets, timelines, and project deliverables.
• Participate in and support sales activities and personnel.
• Maintain written and accurate documentation of the relevant procedures and processes.
• This role will require some travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or similar discipline.
• 10-15 years of product development or closely related experience in the food industry (meat related preferred), with 5 or more years of direct management of large technical group.
• Excellent problem‑solving, project management, and organizational skills.
• Academic food science knowledge with product development, new technology creation, and food manufacturing experience of food products.

• Understanding of food regulatory compliance.
• Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization.
• Exceptional communication and comprehension skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to Director of Sales, Marketing and R&D.
• Responsible for 8 direct reports.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Full benefits package.
• Travel coverage.
• Opportunity to lead innovation in a well‑established and growing company.