Manager Product Development

Role overview

Product development and quality

• Manage product development from concept through commercialization, aligned with category objectives, brand standards, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project activities and updates in PLM systems; create product specifications for sourcing and tenders.
• Conduct sensory evaluations; assess and recommend formulations, ingredients, claims, attributes, and preparation methods.
• Assess prospective and alternate supplier products; review and approve specifications, formulations, and technical documentation.
• Investigate formulation issues arising from first production, ingredient changes, and supplier reformulations; review product artwork for accuracy.
• Develop and test recipes that highlight private-label products.

Supplier, category, and market work

• Partner with Business Managers on category strategies and product-development priorities.
• Provide technical and category expertise to Corporate Brands, procurement, and vendor partners.
• Work with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver quality products on time and on budget; build relationships to improve quality, optimize costs, and accelerate market entry.
• Conduct market assessments, competitive benchmarking, product evaluations, assortment reviews, trend analysis, and product research.
• Attend industry trade shows, supplier meetings, and manufacturing facilities to identify trends, technologies, and product opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 5–7 years of food product development experience; private label and/or food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Canadian food regulations, including CFIA standards of identity, manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
• Experience managing product specifications, critical paths, timelines, development milestones, and sensory evaluations across food categories.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; SAP and PLM and/or PPM experience are assets.
• Valid Class G driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
• Strong project management, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of food safety principles in product development and manufacturing.

Compensation and employment

• Typical salary range is $78,880–$103,530 annually; offer depends on job-related qualifications and internal equity.
• This is an existing permanent full-time vacancy.

Work location

• Work location is 5559 Dundas Street West, Ontario.