Job Description

R&D/New Product Development Manager
North York (Mississauga)
$60,000 – $70,000 | 18-Month Contract (July 2026 – December 2027)

Our client, a well-established and growing Canadian manufacturer of customized food ingredients and seasoning solutions, is seeking an NPD / R&D Manager to join their team.

Currently based in North York, the operation will be relocating to a new facility in Mississauga in Summer 2026, supporting continued growth across the Canadian market.

Step Into a Manager Role Without the Title Barrier

This is an opportunity for an R&D or NPD professional who is ready for the next step but hasn’t yet held a formal Manager title.

You will take full ownership of product development, leading projects from concept through to commercialization. While this role does not manage a team, you will be the go-to for R&D, with real responsibility, visibility, and influence across the business.

About the Opportunity

This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment where initiative is expected. You will be trusted to lead projects, make decisions, and drive innovation forward.

As an 18-month maternity leave contract, this role offers the chance to gain meaningful, high-impact experience and leave with proven ownership of the full NPD lifecycle.

You will collaborate closely with QA, Operations, and Commercial teams to bring products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full product development lifecycle from concept to launch
• Develop and refine formulations, recipes, and processes
• Manage timelines and support successful commercialization
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support innovation and resolve challenges
• Ensure compliance with food safety, regulatory, and quality standards
• Support costing, feasibility, and product specifications

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field
• 3+ years of experience in NPD or R&D within food manufacturing
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept to launch
• Strong understanding of formulation, processing, and scale-up
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and GFSI standards
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Why This Role

This role offers something that can be difficult to access, the opportunity to operate at a Manager level without needing prior Manager title experience.

For someone ready to step up, it provides the scope, ownership, and experience needed to move confidently into future leadership roles.

Job #16817049
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