R&D Manager (Ontario)

Primary Location :
TORONTO, Ontario, Canada
At Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture.
We design customised savoury solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.
Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.
By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.
If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us !
Position Summary
The R&D Manager – Toronto is responsible for the overall management of all Research & Development activities at the Toronto facility.
This leadership role oversees a team of Food Scientists while managing multiple development projects from concept through commercialization. The successful candidate will drive innovation, support business growth, optimize existing products and manufacturing processes, and ensure all R&D activities align with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and Solina Canada's strategic objectives.
This position is dedicated exclusively to the Toronto facility while collaborating with corporate functions and other Solina locations on strategic initiatives when required.
Key Responsibilities
R&D Project Management
Plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple Research & Development projects based on business priorities and commercial timelines.
Lead projects from concept through commercialization while ensuring deadlines, budgets, quality standards, and profitability objectives are achieved.
Ensure product samples are developed and delivered according to customer expectations and established timelines.
Maintain a structured project management process, including documentation, project tracking, reporting, and performance monitoring for all Toronto R&D activities.
Prepare and communicate weekly, monthly, and quarterly project updates and key performance indicators.
Leadership & People Management
Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of Food Scientists.
Establish clear objectives, provide ongoing performance feedback, and support employee development.
Promote collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous learning within the R&D team.
Facilitate knowledge sharing related to product development, manufacturing processes, ingredients, and technical expertise.
Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team environment aligned with Solina's values.
Product Development & Innovation
Lead the development of innovative food products that meet customer expectations, market trends, and business objectives.
Oversee formulation activities while ensuring compliance with internal procedures, customer specifications, food safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
Resolve technical challenges related to product development, ingredient functionality, manufacturing processes, and product performance.
Identify opportunities to improve existing products, formulations, and manufacturing efficiencies.
Stay informed on emerging food trends, ingredient technologies, and industry innovations.
Provide technical expertise during customer meetings, product presentations, plant trials, and commercialization activities.
Contribute to innovation initiatives supporting Solina Canada's continued growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Commercial, Innovation, and Corporate teams to support business development and customer success.
Partner with Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Production, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to optimize internal processes and improve overall business performance.
Participate in corporate initiatives and collaborate with other Solina sites whenever required.
Quality, Food Safety & Continuous Improvement
Ensure all product development and commercialization activities comply with internal quality standards and customer requirements.
Support HACCP programs and food safety initiatives throughout the product development process.
Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve products, processes, efficiencies, and technical practices.
Ensure compliance with all applicable food industry regulations and company standards.
Systems, Reporting & Administration
Utilize internal business systems and reporting tools including Rel8/Salesforce, Power BI, Syspro, and other corporate platforms.
Maintain accurate project documentation and technical records.
Prepare and submit monthly capitalization summaries and other required corporate reports within established deadlines.
Innovation Funding
Coordinate activities related to Canada's Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program.
Ensure eligible innovation projects are properly documented to maximize available tax credits and submitted within required timelines.
Leadership
Act as a role model by demonstrating Solina's leadership principles, values, and professional standards.
Support a culture focused on safety, quality, collaboration, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
Master's degree or Ph.D. is considered a strong asset.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive Research & Development experience within the food manufacturing industry, ideally involving both dry-blended and liquid food products.
Demonstrated experience leading new product development projects from concept through commercialization.
Strong project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Minimum of three (3) years of people management experience, including coaching, developing, and leading technical teams.
Solid understanding of food manufacturing processes, ingredient functionality, regulatory requirements, and food safety systems.
Knowledge of HACCP principles and food industry quality standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. French is considered a strong asset.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
Results-oriented with a passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business reporting systems.
Willingness to travel occasionally for business-related activities.
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment

Skills
Power BI, Project Management, Business Development, Salesforce, Customer Success, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Documentation