R&D Manager, PD Meals (Mat Leave Contract)

Job Description

Daiya Foods is seeking an R&D Manager, PD Meals for an 18-month maternity leave contract. The R&D Manager will be responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of product innovation, renovation, value engineering, and business continuity projects that support strategic objectives and growth. They will manage the full process from concept approval to product launch, ensuring exceptional quality is delivered to consumers and customers. In addition, the role is accountable for building a high-performing product development team, capable of creating technically robust winning products, driving breakthrough innovation, and delivering solutions that delight people and the planet.

What this role involves:

• Leading the development and launch of innovative technologies and products.
• Implementing new technologies, products, and processes.
• Overseeing and coaching a team of R&D scientists.
• Collaborating with the Brand and Innovation teams for project mapping and pipeline creation.
• Partnering with suppliers, co-packers, and research groups to drive new product development.
• Actively communicating key milestones, deliverables, and risks to stakeholders.
• Building new tools and systems to support teams.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or equivalent and 7+ years of related experience in product development or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Minimum one (1) years’ experience in team management
• Experience managing product development projects from conception to market commercialization
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Genesis
• Thorough knowledge of research & development, engineering, food chemistry and manufacturing
• Strong understanding of food science, food trends, ingredient functionality, product development, experimental design, process technology and commercialization
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams and stakeholder management
• Strong analytical skills in applied research and commercial testing
• Ability to create a roadmap to deliver results, and communicate a vision and plan to the team
• Ability to work collaboratively, approach conflict with curiosity, receive feedback and influence others
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, drive for alignment and decisions, and contribute disruptive ideas
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What Daiya offers:

• Competitive compensation
• Extended health benefits
• 3 weeks’ vacation
• Flex days
• Flexible spending account
• Fun and creative environment
• On-site fitness studio
• On-site practitioners
• Inspiring and innovative work
• Smart and passionate teams