Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.)

Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun.

We’re on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you’ll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

So, lace up your boots and let’s tackle the climb together.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com.

Please note this posting is for RNF Pet Products Inc.

Position Summary/Objective: 

This position is responsible to develop a portfolio of branded and private label pet food & treats from idea to commercialization. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate and uphold Riverside’s Core Values
• Researches and stays abreast of latest pet food and ingredient trends, seeks out novel and/or functional ingredients related to pet food and snacking. Provides technical guidance to cross-functional teams like Marketing on opportunities based on research.
• Partner with procurement to source new ingredients to provide functional benefits to pets, complying to Riversides supplier quality requirements
• Develops new formulations to expand the RNF Pet’s product offering, meeting target costs and timeline. Completes all necessary steps including sourcing of new ingredients, developing prototypes, benchmarking against competitors, validating final formulation.
• Works in conjunction with R&D Manager fulfil product design requirements for PL customers
• Plans & executes plant trials. Uses results to make recommendations and actionable next steps
• Validates manufacturing process for new products
• Leads projects to improve productivity, quality, & consistency; engages all stakeholders throughout project
• Participates with R&D manager and engineering to identify and specify requirements for new technology to improve manufacturing of existing product lines
• Responsible to execute the R&D validation of new equipment to expand capacity
• Delivers and maintains process specification & finished product specification
• Maintains up-to-date ingredient & finished product information in Genesis software and customer specific specifications
• Commits to dealing with suppliers and the TEAM in a RESPECTFUL and authentic manner
• Executes special projects to improve R&D capabilities
• Keeps updated documentation of assigned projects
• Keeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcoming
• Other duties as required

Reporting Relationships

The position reports directly to President – Product Development & Commercialization

No positions report to the Scientist.

Education & Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Food Science, Engineering or Nutrition
• Proven experience with product development life cycle (3+ years) in the Pet Food/Snack category

Skills & Abilities 

• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
• Delivers results in context of time and budget constraints
• Ability to take OWNERSHIP and prioritize workload
• PASSIONATE and brings enthusiasm to everything we do
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Desire for career growth and personal skill development
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and AGILITY
• Desire for personal skill development keeping a HUMBLE approach throughout

What we expect:

• Values-led: You’ll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life’s too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don’t enjoy the journey.
• Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We’re still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we’ll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we’re okay with that, as long as we’re staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.
• Access to everyone: We’re a flat organization with few silos which means you’ll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don’t be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn’t – like the plant, or the boardroom.
• Personal development: We’ll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.
• Gratitude: As a growing business, we can’t always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we’re all in this together and we value you.

What We Offer:

• Values-led: We don’t cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.
• Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren’t obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.
• Humility: We’re a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don’t brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn’t one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.
• Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top.

Wait! There’s more!

• Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!
• RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An open concept work environment that embodies our Values

How to Apply:

If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button!

Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.