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 based in North York. The R&D Manager- Productivity will play a key role in enhancing product quality, sensory and affordability of our core products while elevating team capabilities and instilling a culture of technical discipline and creative problem-solving. As the R&D manager, you will be responsible for strengthening our current product portfolio through driving quality improvements, exploring cost saving opportunities and collaborating with operations to troubleshoot processing issues and optimize line efficiencies. 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 deep understanding of manufacturing processes and a passion for using numbers to demonstrate impact through improving the quality of our products, cost savings and process optimization. You will be fascinated by optimizing processes 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 experience in a CPG with 2+ years’ experience in an R&D leadership role
• Previous experience in an R&D productivity-related role is desired
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and six sigma is a plus
• 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.
• 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.
• Excellent project, organization and time management skills
• Ability to travel regularly to Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area) and occasionally nationally/internationally (5%)