Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, ‘better-for-you’ snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.
We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.
So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.
You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.
We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking R&D manager to join our thriving team. The R&D Manager- Commercialization will play a key role in fueling business growth, enhancing team capabilities and instilling a culture of technical discipline and creative problem-solving. As the R&D manager, you will be responsible for shaping the future of Riverside’s products through commercializing innovations and renovations, providing technical support to key stakeholders as well as ensuring the delivery of consistently high-quality products to our consumers, driven by a mindset of continuous improvement. If you’re looking to make a real, tangible impact on the R&D department, have strong technical experience and have a knack for seeking out discomfort, then this role is for you.
Reporting to the R&D director, the R&D manager will be technically curious, with a drive to understand our unique ingredients and how they interact with our production lines. You will be fascinated by technical setbacks and obsessed with problem solving. This role is fast-paced and will require the ability to make quick data driven decisions, take calculated risks and embrace change. You will have the opportunity to lead and coach a team of food technologists to senior scientists, championing technical excellence with a strong focus on the bigger picture.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline. 8+ years of R&D Commercialization experience in a CPG with 2+ years’ experience in an R&D leadership role.
• Master’s in Business, Leadership, Entrepreneurship or related is an asset

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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
• Commitment to technical excellence and data-driven decision-making
• Experience working for entrepreneurial companies where progress (action and speed) is valued over perfection.
• 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 see challenges as learning opportunities, and you aren’t afraid to grow through trial and error.
• Excellent project, organization and time management skills.
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area) and occasionally nationally/internationally (5%)