Senior Product Developer (Etobicoke) (Toronto)

Company Overview Freshstone Brands Inc. (FBI) is a premier manufacturer of high-quality prepared food products that services the retail, foodservice, and co-manufacturing channels. The Company’s products include branded and private label entrees, salads, sides, appetizers, hand-held foods, and other prepared foods. FBI supplies mostly fresh and some frozen items to major Canadian retailers for sale “behind the glass” or in packaged formats in the perimeter of the store, as well as to well-known foodservice customers, and some major branded food businesses under contract. FBI manufactures its products in 6 manufacturing plants which are SQF Level 3 certified and which are strategically located across Canada, giving FBI critical mass, and geographic proximity to the strategically important US market. With its own brands, FBI services all the major Grocery, Mass, Club and Food Service customers in Canada either directly or through distributor and broker relationships. Additionally, FBI has co-developed and launched a variety of “own-label” and private-label programs with a wide range of blue-chip, recognized retailers and food service companies across North America. Position Summary The position of Senior Product Developer within Freshstone Brands PD Team is an existing position which will allow the successful candidate to contribute to sales growth through their understanding of new product development aimed at creating well targeted, nutritious and tasty fresh and frozen recipes for HMR food counters at retail and food service locations. The successful candidate will have the drive and the ability to make a real impact on the future of the business by developing a product selection appropriately targeted to customer needs. Essential Functions Contribute to business objectives and strategic product development by assisting with the evaluation and improvement of existing product lines to improve quality and maximize efficiency Contribute to business objectives and strategic product development by assisting with and/or developing, formulating and testing new products to meet customer requirements. Ensure the products meet standards before market introduction/launch Report results/findings/conclusions and recommendations on all new ingredients, products, and suppliers to ensure a competitive advantage Build direct relationships with vendors, food service and private label customers Follow the New Product Development Process including all documentation procedures Responsible for assisting, trialing, evaluating and reporting on potential recent products from different divisions as required Represent FBI in industry events, trade associations, seminars etc. Liaise with third party research to identify, prioritize and/or validate potential recent opportunities Provide manufacturing, sales and marketing support Provide technical information and technical support to cross functions team members as required Participate in the evaluation and commissioning of new technology, production lines and/or related equipment Prepare samples for customer presentations, participate in product cuttings and provide support to the sales team Embrace and support the Freshstone Brands culture and values, acting as brand ambassador at all times Participate in other special projects as required. These projects can include but are not limited to: equipment research and testing, operational improvement efforts and select marketing efforts Learns, responds to and applies current consumer, industry and competitive trends while collaborating with the Sales & Marketing team to use consumer and retail trends to deliver on emerging needs Delivers routine daily/weekly/monthly reporting and responds to basic and intermediate ad-hoc data requests. Respond to various inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including as requested providing fact‑based data to Executive, Key Accounts Manager, or Supervisors as required. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in food science, food technology or higher Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment, adapting to shifting priorities, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Culinary diploma, culinary education or commercial kitchen experience will be an additional asset 3 – 5 years of product development experience required, preferably with consumer packaged or food service packaged products 3 - 5 years of work experience in food manufacturing required, preferably in sauce, salads, ready meals Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent Pay: $75,000.00-$80,000.00 per year Benefits Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On‑site parking RRSP match Education Bachelor’s Degree (required) Experience Food processing: 3 years (required) ERP systems: 3 years (required) Product development: 3 years (required) Language English (preferred) Work Location In person Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2prh7m