R&D Manager, PD Meals (Mat Leave Contract)

Job Title:                    R&D Manager, Product Development (PD) Meals                                    

Department:               Research & Development                                

Reporting To:             Director, Research & Development

Welcome to Daiya Foods, where we are the creators of a revolutionary cheese alternative that tastes, shreds, melts and stretches like traditional cheese. Today, as plant-based food grows in popularity, that spirit of innovation continues to inspire our team. Our diverse portfolio of great tasting foods invites everyone to the table. 

Our dedication to minimizing environmental impact extends across our operations. We operate in a manufacturing facility and office that is LEED certified, embodying our commitment to sustainability through the leadership in energy and environmental design principles.

Join our team of food-loving Daiyans, where our shared passion, vision, and ability to bring smiles to each other's faces fuel our journey of plant-based exploration.

Your Future Job

The R&D Manager, PD Meals will be responsible for the delivery of a portfolio of product innovation, renovation, value engineering, and business continuity projects that support strategic objectives and growth. They will manage the full process from concept approval to product launch, ensuring exceptional quality is delivery to consumers and customers. In addition, the role is accountable for building a high-performing product development team, capable of creating technically robust winning products, driving breakthrough innovation, and delivering solutions that delight people and planet. This is an 18-month maternity leave contract.

What You Will Do

• Lead the development and launch of innovative technologies and products, providing technical guidance for research, product development, and commercialization activities.
• Implement new technologies, products, and processes, including zero-based budgeting for all new and improvement projects, and conduct technical feasibility assessments of new products and renovations.
• Oversee and coach a team of R&D scientists to achieve objectives, evaluate progress and prioritize resources and projects.
• Build a high-performance and collaborative work environment; act as a resource to support and empower the team
• Collaborate with the Brand and Innovation teams for project mapping and pipeline creation.
• Partner with suppliers, co-packers, and research groups to drive new product development, providing project management oversight and identifying key technical hurdles to ensure product development projects are on schedule and within budget.
• Actively communicate key milestones, deliverables, and risks to stakeholders, ensuring proper documentation is maintained for all projects.
• Build new tools and systems to support teams, including the implementation of new company programs.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or equivalent and 7+ years of related experience in product development or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Minimum one (1) years’ experience in team management
• Experience managing product development projects from conception to market commercialization
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite and Genesis

What You Bring

• Thorough knowledge of research & development, engineering, food chemistry and manufacturing
• Strong understanding of food science, food trends, ingredient functionality, product development, experimental design, process technology and commercialization
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams and stakeholder management
• Strong analytical skills in applied research and commercial testing
• Ability to create a roadmap to deliver results, and communicate a vision and plan to the team
• Ability to work collaboratively, approach conflict with curiosity, receive feedback and influence others
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, drive for alignment and decisions, and contribute disruptive ideas
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Daiya’s Core Competencies

• Emotional Intelligence – You possess the ability to manage emotions, as well as seek to understand the emotions of others around you.
• Growth Mindset – You find opportunities and possibilities when challenged, embrace continuous learning, and constantly strive to grow and improve.
• Effective Communication – You effectively listen, assess, and adjust your communication to align your intention and impact.
• Collaboration – You work with and through others to create great results for Daiya.
• Driving Results – You take the initiative to find solutions, deliver results, maintain focus, and drive accountability.
• Service Excellence – You understand and serve the needs of others (Daiyans, consumers, and our communities)

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Daiya’s compensation offerings are based on a pay-for-performance philosophy. The pay range for this position is from $95,000 – 115,000 annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. Permanent team members may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program, subject to program eligibility requirements.  

At Daiya, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe in building a flexible, hybrid model to make work-life harmony a reality. We strive to build diverse and high performing teams and empower continuous learning to grow and improve ourselves.

• Competitive compensation
• Extended health benefits
• 3 weeks’ vacation
• Flex days
• Flexible spending account
• Fun and creative environment
• On-site fitness studio
• On-site practitioners
• Inspiring and innovative work
• Smart and passionate teams
• Making people and the planet a healthier place

At Daiya Foods, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment, one in which employees can bring their whole selves to work everyday.  We welcome and celebrate differences because we believe a multitude of perspectives fosters innovation and will help us achieve our vision.

Daiya Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and prohibits discrimination of any kind.  We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, religion, marital or family status, age and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.  We endeavor to recruit, develop, and retain the best talent from a diverse candidate pool and truly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion among our team members is vital to our success as a company.  We trust that in applying for a role with us you value this as well!

Daiya Foods humbly acknowledges that the land on which we work, live, and play is the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, and Musqueam Nations. This connection to the land is not only a source of inspiration but also a guiding force in our journey towards greater environmental stewardship and community engagement.