Supervisor, R&D Technical Operations

Gay Lea; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Gay Lea is seeking an experienced R&D Lab & Pilot Plant Equipment Manager in Hamilton to oversee equipment operations, maintenance, and data integrity.

You will train technicians, develop SOPs, coordinate lab and pilot activities, and ensure GMP-compliant processes while supporting project goals in a dairy-focused R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum College diploma in Food Science/Food Technology, Food Analytical Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food/Chemical Engineering, or related diploma.
• Min 5 years of Food technician in a dairy or food research facility with great record of achievements.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on lab, pilot, and plant trial activities to support project needs across R&D.
• Translate approved bench and pilot requirements into executional trial needs, including equipment and ingredient handling and sample logistics.
• Support plant trial and scale-up execution in partnership with execution teams.
• Responsible for equipment maintenance, calibration and process improvements.
• Coordination and planning of activities on Lab and pilot on weekly basis.
• Responsible for training, managing technician work schedules as well as research assistance.
• Responsible for commissioning and decommissioning of the new pilot/ lab equipments.
• Identify gaps in equipment needs and optimize workflows for benchtop and pilot activities.
• Create or improve SOP for new or existing equipments in collaboration with Principal/ Research Scientist.
• Responsible for ordering lab supplies, managing orders for raw ingredients and equipment in collaboration with Sr. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence.
• Support Sr. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence in project management across all R&D Projects.
• Responsible for hiring research assistance and Food technicians in collaboration with Sr. Manager Capabilities and Excellence.
• Responible for maintaining and implementation of GMP procedures in R&D building.
• Coordinate preventive and on-going maintenance of pilot equipment, laboratory instruments and Innovation center building.
• Oversee sensory and shelf- Life analysis of various dairy products.
• Oversee equipment CIP and ensure food standards are always maintained.
• Oversee sample preparation and paperwork for both internal and external lab testing.
• Maintain ingredient inventory, storage and ensure timely cleaning of current inventory based on the ingredients' shelf life.
• Travel up to 20% to various sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

College diploma in Food Science/Technology or related

Minimum 5 years as Food Technician in a dairy/food research facility

Job description

Department: R & D

Reports to: SR. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence

Status: Full Time onsite in Hamilton

The payrange for the role is $75,300 to $125,300 plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Purpose:

This role reports to Sr. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence and is responsible for managing lab and pilot plant manufacturing equipment and maintaining high standards of food safety and product manufacturing. This role ensures that both the Analytical Lab and Pilot Plant operate smoothly in alignment with R&D departments goals. Additionally, responsibilities include training technicians, developing SOPs, coordinating maintenance, and overseeing inventory management, while also ensuring accurate analytical testing and data validation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on lab, pilot, and plant trial activities, including pilot equipment operations, to ensure smooth execution and support project needs across R&D.
• Translate approved bench and pilot requirements into executional trial needs, including equipment and ingredient handling and sample logistics.
• Support plant trial and scale-up execution in partnership with execution teams.
• Responsible for equipment maintenance, calibration and process improvements.
• Coordination and planning of activities on Lab and pilot on weekly basis.
• Responsible for training, managing technician work schedules as well as research assistance.
• Responsible for commissioning and decommissioning of the new pilot/ lab equipments.
• Responsible for identifying gaps in equipment needs and optimizing workflows for benchtop and pilot activities.
• Create or improve SOP for new or existing equipments in collaboration with Principal/ Research Scientist.
• Responsible for ordering lab supplies, managing orders for raw ingredients and equipment in collaboration with Sr. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence.
• Support Sr. Manager R&D Capabilities and Excellence in project management across all R&D Projects.
• Responsible for hiring research assistance and Food technicians in collaboration with Sr. Manager Capabilities and Excellence.
• Responible for maintaining and implementation of GMP procedures in R&D building.
• Coordinate preventive and on-going maintenance of pilot equipment, laboratory instruments and Innovation center building.
• Oversee sensory and shelf- Life analysis of various dairy products.
• Oversee equipment CIP and ensure food standards are always maintained.
• Oversee sample preparation and paperwork for both internal and external lab testing.
• Maintain ingredient inventory, storage and ensure timely cleaning of current inventory based on the ingredients' shelf life.
• Travel up to 20% to various sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum College diploma in Food Science/Food Technology, Food Analytical Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food/Chemical Engineering, or related diploma.
• Min 5 years of Food technician in a dairy or food research facility with great record of achievements.

Skills:

• Hands on experience with equipment operation, trouble shooting and problem solving.
• Ability to use new technology and data to improve RD operation activities.
• Cross functional collaboration and decision making as required across role responsibilities.
• Experience in managing, training and mentoring technicians and coop students, as well as supervising GMPs in the laboratory and pilot plant.
• Knowledge of ingredients functionality and processes typically used in dairy manufacturing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility on working hours based upon business needs.
• Good understanding of Food regulations and Standards.
• Valid G2 or G license with access to a car daily.
• Ability to lift up to 20 kg’s.