Manager, Research And Development; hard cheese - Lactalis

Location:

Ingleside, Ontario

The incumbent provides technical leadership and specialized knowledge, expertise, and management of research activities to support the Hard cheese volume, profit targets, and growth plans. The position is responsible for the introduction of innovation related to new products, ingredients, technologies, and cost savings initiatives by coordinating team members to deliver project goals. The position ensures qualification and validation to meet the R&D Hard Cheese business objectives.

• Manage hard cheese product development plans and resources to execute activities of product development initiatives, innovation pipeline projects, formulation optimization opportunities and process technologies to achieve business and strategic priorities.
• Effectively lead multiple research projects for the R&D Hard Cheese. Provide technical direction/interpretation of results to research team to design and execute experiments to meet project commitments.
• Lead, identify and communicate product development requirements and activities to Leadership Marketing, Sales and R&D; communicate with key stakeholders in purchasing and operations to ensure execution of project plan.
• Support R&D-Hard cheese in the execution of Purchasing and Operations cost reduction programs related to product categories.
• Responsible for costs related to plant trials in support to execute the R&D SR&ED program in support of corporate tax initiatives. Collaborate with R&D Directors/Managers on plant trial budget SR&ED deliverables.
• Support investigations and collaborate with other Lactalis departments and resources of R&D, Manufacturing, QFS, and Engineering, purchasing to assess and identify product/production issues and/or opportunities and lead FS development activities in support of the necessary action plan.
• Provide Technical support to Marketing in the development and of the supporting sales documents.
• Assist Senior Director, R&D-Cheese and ingredient leads to manage reports including hiring, establishing goals and priorities, providing work direction and reviewing performance including development needs. Develop Individual Development Plans (IDP) and provide coaching, training focusing on career growth and enhancing engagement.
• Promote and enforce activities to maintain a safe and healthy working setting to meet site and corporate safety objectives.

• University degree in Food Science, microbiology, chemistry or related discipline.
• Master’s or PhD in related discipline an asset.
• Minimum ten (10) years experience in dairy or food industry.
• Supervisory experience is an asset.
• Leadership capabilities including working well in a team environment, leading initiatives and project teams, working cross‑functionally and developing rapport with all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical skills and good judgment; high degree of integrity.
• Application of theories and practice of chemistry/food science/microbiology to improve processes and develop new innovative products.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking or abstract reasoning when approaching complex problem solving.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills including meeting facilitation and presentations.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to reach mutually acceptable resolutions.
• Ability to work in unstructured environments and to multitask, with good process orientation and attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture perspective.
• Thorough knowledge of the dairy product components and their functionality as well as a solid understanding of GMP’s and HACCP specifically in a food production environment.
• Knowledge of Canadian Regulations.
• Ability to lead, motivate, engage, train and develop direct reports.
• Ability to operate standard office applications such as Microsoft Office and email.

• A Competitive Base Salary.
• A Performance‑Based Bonus System.
• 4 Weeks of Vacation.
• Benefits starting day 1.
• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%.
• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year.
• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community.
• Learning and Development opportunities.
• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility.

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We’re dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone’s true selves. We invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply. If you require accommodation due to a disability (temporary or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Base salary range: $114,400 – $139,200 +.