Job Description

About Mariposa
Mariposa Dairy is a leading manufacturer of award-winning cheeses based in Lindsay, Ontario. Our aim is to provide the highest quality cheese products in North America while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We believe in empowering our team members to lead with integrity and drive operational excellence every day. At the heart of everything we do lies a commitment to integrity, a passion for continuous growth, and the resilience to thrive through challenges.

What we offer:
• Dynamic Work Environment: Join a fast-paced setting where you can apply your expertise and contribute to operational success.
• Collaborative Culture: We believe in teamwork and win-win relationships, fostering an environment where together is better.
• Commitment to Work-Life Balance: Fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and flexible practices to support your well-being.
• Professional Growth: Ongoing training and development opportunities to advance your career.

The Product Development Technician is responsible for leading product development, innovation, and technical optimization within the food manufacturing facility. This role oversees the creation of new products, the improvement of existing formulations, and the development of processes that support product quality, cost efficiency, and scalability. The Product Development Technician collaborates closely with QA, Production, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to bring new products to market while ensuring compliance with regulatory, customer, and company standards.

Key Responsibilities
• Embody and promote company’s core values (Integrity, Growth and Resilience).
• Support the development of new products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct formulation work, prototype development, and shelf-life optimization.
• Support production trials and performance testing.
• Improve existing products for quality, functionality, cost savings, or processing efficiency.
• Ensure all new and existing products meet CFIA and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
• Support QA in ensuring compliance with GFSI standards (e.g., SQF/BRCGS).
• Support, coordinate, and prioritize multiple R&D projects simultaneously.
• Support and communicate project timelines, deliverables, and risk assessments.
• Maintain accurate records of formulations, trial results, and technical data.
• Work closely with Sales, QA, Production, Supply Chain, and Marketing to support product launches and continuous improvement.
• Support procurement with ingredient and supplier evaluations.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and scientific rigor.
• Ensure the R&D lab and pilot testing environments meet safety and operational standards.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Core Competencies
• Strong innovation mindset and creativity
• Excellent analytical and technical problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work cross-functionally with multiple teams
• Strong leadership and coaching skills
• High attention to detail and scientific accuracy
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement focus

Qualifications & Requirements
• Degree and/or Diploma in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field; Master’s degree an asset.
• Product development or quality assurance experience in a food manufacturing environment; dairy, bakery, or specialty foods experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of food processing, ingredient functionality, and formulation science.
• Knowledge of CFIA regulations, SFCR requirements, and GFSI certification schemes.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with formulation tools, data analysis, ERP, and Microsoft Office preferred.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Mariposa Dairy. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We kindly ask you do not contact us by phone.
Any offer of employment will be conditional upon successful reference checks and employment verification.

Mariposa Dairy is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

This employer only accepts applications from:
• Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
• Candidates with a valid Canadian work permit.

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