R&D Manager

• Accountable for leading R&D-driven initiatives to improve quality, lower costs and optimize efficiency on our production lines.

• Coaches the team to creatively assess raw materials, formulations, and processing costs to identify savings opportunities without compromising product quality.

• Identifies when sensory validation is required to guide project decisions and ensures decisions are based on robust sensory data.

• Guides the team to develop robust technical recommendations based on thorough data analysis (using appropriate statistical methods) and sound scientific reasoning.

• Guides the team to troubleshoot real-time production issues on the factory floor using a scientific approach, collaborating with stakeholders to arrive at evidence-based solutions.
• Responsible for enabling proactive and timely R&D collaboration with key stakeholders such as FSQA and Procurement to ensure our consumers receive consistently high-quality products.

• Coaches team to deliver and maintain accurate, clear and appropriately detailed technical specifications (formulations, procedures, visual standards) across all technical systems.
• Collaborates with engineering and other internal partners to ensure required product quality standards are met during commissioning of new equipment.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, positivity and accepting change.
• Proactively explores ways to improve and enhance R&D processes to streamline for efficiency.

• Leads and provides technical coaching to a team of technologists to senior food scientists to deliver on R&D objectives and to achieve their developmental goals.
• Strengthen technical capabilities within the team to drive higher technical confidence through targeted coaching and development of tools and training on critical thinking, experimental design and data-driven technical decision making.
• Foster technical relationships with key ingredient and equipment suppliers to deepen technical knowledge on ingredient functionality and application in our products.
• Understands how technical data relates to business goals and strategically communicates it to inform and influence impactful business decisions.
• Accountable for ensuring delivery of shelf-life reports for changes to existing formulations and supports the team to flag technical risks in a timely manner.

• Collaborates meaningfully with other functions (Innovation, Packaging R&D, FSQA, Regulatory, Production) to share technical knowledge, process improvements, and collectively drive scientific and technical expertise at Riverside.

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline. 8+ years of R&D experience in a CPG with 2+ years’ experience in an R&D leadership role

• Previous experience leading technical, cost savings and quality improvement initiatives within a food manufacturing environment is desired

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma is a plus

• Master's in Business, Leadership, Entrepreneurship or related is an asset

• Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.
  
• Be a Riverside Brand Ambassador: Stay relentlessly close to our consumers and represent the brand in every interaction, decision, and deliverable. Bring the consumer voice into your work by protecting product quality, availability, and experience, acting early when standards slip, and delivering consistent value that earns trust, advocacy, and long-term brand love.

• Strong belief in Riverside’s purpose and wholeheartedly embody our core values: Humility, Respect, Teamwork, Fun, Grit, Ownership, Adaptability
• At Riverside we value leaders who can “fly high and low’’. Leaders who can focus on the bigger picture without losing sight of the details. (This role involves executing projects as well as leading team members)
• Strong affinity for data analysis and critical thinking with meticulous attention to detail
• Experience working for entrepreneurial companies where progress (action and speed) is valued over perfection.
• Proficient in using tools like Excel or Minitab to identify trends and drive technical decisions.
• Proactive, technically curious mindset with a continuous learning mentality. Passionate about shaping the future of R&D at Riverside
• Quick and creative problem solver. Ability to find resourceful solutions and embraces discomfort- sees opportunities where others see challenges.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, resilient and adapts quickly to changing priorities
• Driven to push boundaries and inspire both yourself and your team to aim high. You view challenges as learning opportunities, and you aren’t afraid to grow through scientific-based trial and error.
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area) and occasionally nationally/internationally (5%)

• Reports to Director of R&D
• Responsible for 3-4 direct reports

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Disclaimer: As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.