Research And Development Project Manager

Job Title: Research and Development Project Manager

Location: Ingleside, Ontario

About the opportunity:

The Research & Development Project Manager - Cheese & Ingredients is responsible for providing technical leadership, expertise and/or first line supervision of research & innovation project activities. Manages development activities and investigations in support of innovation, new product development cost improvements or technical manufacturing support. The position is accountable for providing leadership and specialized knowledge in the areas of food & dairy science, problem resolution, method development and project implementation to optimize manufacturing and support company business objectives.

Critical Success Factors:

• Conduct assessment of problematic product and/or ingredient issues and collaborate with a team to resolve the issues. Consult technical resources (literature, technical papers, and academia) to lead & source new development opportunities, inspire and leader of strategic business ideas.
• Participate in the recruitment, training, and development of the R&D personnel.
• Manage complex projects and provide specialized input and directive to project team by providing detailed investigation and data interpretation in support of business initiatives.
• Responsible to ensure Quality is fundamental in execution of all work activities and work in compliance to – Lactalis Quality Systems (e.g., Knowledge of quality programs as HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices, -QSL)
• Document and review the raw ingredients, formulations and final product specifications for the purpose of maintaining accurate records and to ensure compliance with Company standards and validate label requirements in relation to product standards, regulatory and labelling standards.
• Lead or support the implementation of manufacturing projects related to Continuous Improvement (CI) & Return on Investment (ROI) by trouble-shooting technical issues, influencing management and staff to take positive actions and accountability for their assigned target and objectives related to designated projects, reporting and follow up of the projects, and presenting regular updates
• Design and execute stages of product development by conducting pilot plant including operation of pilot-scale dairy processing equipment, and formula commissioning at full-scale manufacturing, which includes scale-up of prototypes and subsequent trials to support introduction of new products and /or product renovations including providing preliminary product cost analysis in formulation development and recoveries (Lactalis PCI Cost Structure) and working collaboratively with finance.
• Provide recommendation and/or directive to management team on regulatory initiatives and/or resolving regulatory concerns/issues involving the CFIA.
• Lead the execution of required bench top and/or pilot plant experiments in the development of new products and/or product renovations and/or new processes for the experimental plan and conduct experiments, produce documentation, and provide conclusions in support of the business initiative. When applicable, supports development designs and establishes P&ID/flow schematics with the engineering team and participates on the commissioning.
• Consult and provide directive to internal customers (i.e. Purchasing, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance) by communicating information for product improvements and/or cost savings initiatives.
• Unionized Employees: Location dependent, closely supervises the unionized R&D Technologist on various R&D Activities with different levels of complexity.

Key Attributes of the Ideal Candidate:

• Strong written and interpersonal/communication skills with internal and external sources for technical information and ingredient assistance
• Ability to produce accurate documents of experiments in support of Company standards and SR&ED tax credits
• Ability to apply theories and practice of chemistry/food science/microbiology to lead manufacturing process improvement and/or develop new innovative products.
• Ability to effectively report, communicate results and provide recommendations to the various functions (Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Purchasing)
• Creative problem-solving skills to develop and perform bench-top and pilot plant experiments to achieve the solution
• Strong regulatory knowledge including Canada Food Drug Regulation, and Guide to Food Labeling
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years’ experience in dairy or food industry
• Organize and report results using a variety of computer applications (Excel, Microsoft Word, Lotus Notes, Nutritional programs - Genesis)
• Bilingual French, an asset when applicable
• Effectively handle multiple projects and the assignments of priorities within the defined project area
• Thorough knowledge of dairy and/or food products and their functionality
• Ability to lead, train and develop direct reports if applicable
• College diploma in related discipline
• University degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related discipline

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

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

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/EOE

Bring Your Uniqueness to Grow Our Culture

We believe each and every individual within the organization provides value. When we encourage and include the voices of all diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we open doors to unforeseen growth and allow individuals to bring their full authentic selves to work. In order to celebrate the uniqueness of our people and the communities in which we operate, we are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive workplace that fosters real belonging for all.

Lactalis is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the member of the Talent Acquisition team in a timely fashion of any disabilities that requires accommodation measures in order to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Please note Lactalis Canada does not request a credit check or conduct other background checks through the LinkedIn application process. If any of the foregoing is required, a Lactalis Canada employee will contact you after a Job Offer has been signed by you.