About the role
Who We Are
At Nature's Touch, you're not just building a career - you're joining a trailblazing team that believes in the power of collaboration, diversity, and continuous learning.
Since 2004, we've grown from a small startup into a global leader in private-label frozen food manufacturing. From our roots in Quebec, we've expanded across North America with state-of-the-art facilities and a growing presence in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan - proudly supplying millions of households worldwide.
What drives us is simple: a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. We're shaping the future of frozen fruit - and we'd love for you to be part of that journey. At Nature's Touch, growth opportunities are everywhere.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Innovation Manager for a 12-month contract (with possibility of extension) to join our Innovation & Sustainability team in Montreal. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, this role leads project planning and execution for customer-focused initiatives and plays a key role in driving the innovation roadmap and product launches.
As the Director's right hand, you'll help shape the innovation strategy and oversee the full product lifecycle - from concept to commercialization. You'll work cross-functionally with Sales and other internal stakeholders to ensure every project aligns with customer needs, business goals, and regulatory requirements.
What You'll Do
- Lead and coordinate innovation projects from planning to commercialization, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
- Build and maintain innovation roadmaps per customer, integrating insights from trends, data, and sampling feedback.
- Collaborate closely with Sales and cross-functional teams on bids, pricing, and new product launches.
- Analyze sales and market data (Nielsen, SPINS, Mintel, etc.) to identify opportunities and guide innovation priorities.
- Manage the lifecycle of the product portfolio, ensuring efficient execution and long-term performance.
- Ensure compliance with sustainability and food safety programs (HACCP, SQF, Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, etc.).
- Identify and resolve operational or technical issues through structured problem-solving (e.g., RCA, 5 Whys, FMEA).
- Track KPIs, assess risks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Business Administration, or Marketing (Master's degree is an asset).
- 8-10 years of experience in food manufacturing, innovation, or product development, including leadership experience.
- Proven success managing product lifecycles and leading innovation projects from concept to launch.
- Working knowledge of TraceGains or similar specification and compliance systems is preferred.
- Experience with private label product development is an asset.
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Autonomous, adaptable, and proactive in fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Fluency in English is essential given our global scope; French is an important asset as the role is based in Quebec.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively and professionally at all organizational levels.
Work Conditions
- Hybrid work model offering flexibility to work from both the office and home.
- Highly cross-functional environment
- Fast-paced and dynamic setting that requires adaptability, strong prioritization, and proactive problem-solving.
- Encourages autonomy, accountability, and ownership in managing projects and deliverables.
- Approximately 25% travel may be required for meetings or project-related activities across North America and Europe.
About the role
Who We Are
At Nature's Touch, you're not just building a career - you're joining a trailblazing team that believes in the power of collaboration, diversity, and continuous learning.
Since 2004, we've grown from a small startup into a global leader in private-label frozen food manufacturing. From our roots in Quebec, we've expanded across North America with state-of-the-art facilities and a growing presence in Australia, Taiwan, and Japan - proudly supplying millions of households worldwide.
What drives us is simple: a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. We're shaping the future of frozen fruit - and we'd love for you to be part of that journey. At Nature's Touch, growth opportunities are everywhere.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Innovation Manager for a 12-month contract (with possibility of extension) to join our Innovation & Sustainability team in Montreal. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, this role leads project planning and execution for customer-focused initiatives and plays a key role in driving the innovation roadmap and product launches.
As the Director's right hand, you'll help shape the innovation strategy and oversee the full product lifecycle - from concept to commercialization. You'll work cross-functionally with Sales and other internal stakeholders to ensure every project aligns with customer needs, business goals, and regulatory requirements.
What You'll Do
- Lead and coordinate innovation projects from planning to commercialization, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
- Build and maintain innovation roadmaps per customer, integrating insights from trends, data, and sampling feedback.
- Collaborate closely with Sales and cross-functional teams on bids, pricing, and new product launches.
- Analyze sales and market data (Nielsen, SPINS, Mintel, etc.) to identify opportunities and guide innovation priorities.
- Manage the lifecycle of the product portfolio, ensuring efficient execution and long-term performance.
- Ensure compliance with sustainability and food safety programs (HACCP, SQF, Organic, Kosher, Non-GMO, etc.).
- Identify and resolve operational or technical issues through structured problem-solving (e.g., RCA, 5 Whys, FMEA).
- Track KPIs, assess risks, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Business Administration, or Marketing (Master's degree is an asset).
- 8-10 years of experience in food manufacturing, innovation, or product development, including leadership experience.
- Proven success managing product lifecycles and leading innovation projects from concept to launch.
- Working knowledge of TraceGains or similar specification and compliance systems is preferred.
- Experience with private label product development is an asset.
- Strong analytical, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Autonomous, adaptable, and proactive in fast-paced and evolving environments.
- Fluency in English is essential given our global scope; French is an important asset as the role is based in Quebec.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively and professionally at all organizational levels.
Work Conditions
- Hybrid work model offering flexibility to work from both the office and home.
- Highly cross-functional environment
- Fast-paced and dynamic setting that requires adaptability, strong prioritization, and proactive problem-solving.
- Encourages autonomy, accountability, and ownership in managing projects and deliverables.
- Approximately 25% travel may be required for meetings or project-related activities across North America and Europe.