Greenfield is seeking an Innovation Director to play a strategic role in the transformation and growth of the company’s profitability. This leader oversees innovation and research & development (R&D) projects, ensuring their alignment with corporate and business unit objectives. The position requires a global vision, strong technical expertise, and the ability to thrive in complex, regulated, and multidisciplinary environments. The incumbent coordinates the portfolio of innovative projects, ensures legal and environmental compliance, optimizes processes, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Founded in 1989, Greenfield Global is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-purity alcohols, specialty solvents, custom solutions, and fuel ethanol for businesses worldwide, serving diverse markets including renewable fuels, beverages, life sciences, food, and industrial products. With 4 distilleries, 5 blending facilities, and 9 warehouses, Greenfield efficiently fulfills more than 35,000 orders in over 50 countries. The company operates a major anaerobic digestion facility that converts 120,000 tons of organic matter annually into renewable natural gas. The low-carbon ethanol produced by Greenfield contributes to decarbonization efforts, and its team is innovating in sustainable fuels such as green hydrogen, methanol, aviation fuel, and renewable natural gas. Headquartered in Toronto, this family-owned company has consistently been recognized at the Platinum level among Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2015.

Key Skills

• Clear and persuasive communication tailored to different stakeholders
• Strategic vision and ability to anticipate trends
• Analysis and use of technical and financial data to guide decision-making
• Creativity and ability to turn ideas into concrete solutions
• Proactive leadership, sense of responsibility, and regulatory compliance
• Rigor, process optimization, and promotion of continuous improvement
• Organization, priority management, and resource orchestration
• Agility and resilience in the face of change
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and mobilize stakeholders
• Enthusiasm, dynamism, and endurance to support performance
• Decisive courage and integrity
• Stress management and sound decision-making in critical situations
• Autonomy and proactivity in carrying out mandates

Job Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development

• Act as an ambassador of innovation and value team contributions
• Create an environment conducive to innovation and continuous learning across the organization
• Ensure project consistency by facilitating communication among stakeholders
• Organize synchronization points to align deliverables and timelines
• Support talent development (training, mentoring, individual plans)
• Participate in management committees and ensure smooth communication
• Prevent and resolve disagreements to maintain efficiency and cohesion

Financial Management

• Oversee the development and monitoring of annual and five-year investment plans
• Coordinate with corporate finance on cash flows related to investments
• Manage financial aid files, the SR&ED program, and audits
• Conduct project studies and approve business plans
• Identify financial and operational risks and propose mitigation measures
• Define and track performance indicators (KPIs) to measure investment efficiency and profitability

Processes & Technical Expertise

• Plan and execute R&D projects, including budget prioritization
• Conduct technical and economic feasibility studies and analyses
• Improve standards, processes, and tools related to innovation
• Promote standardization and sharing of best practices
• Apply LEAN principles in managing strategic projects
• Handle complex files (technical solutions, calculations, disputes, risks, environment)
• Oversee legal agreements and environmental authorizations
• Serve as the main contact with authorities and external partners

Job Requirements

• University degree in engineering (Master’s in management is an asset)
• Significant experience in managing innovation, R&D, or industrial engineering projects
• Mastery of economic models and investment tools
• Strong understanding of regulatory and environmental issues
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams
• Proficiency in project management tools
• Required presence at the Varennes office according to current policies
• Bilingualism (French/English)

Total Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunities for formal and informal training
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Income protection: short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, paid personal sick leave
• Vacation time exceeding industry standards
• Bonus program
• Company-funded retirement savings program with individual contribution options
• Meaningful and stimulating work
• Organizational culture focused on growth and development, engagement, and communication

Core Values

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Respect
• Commitment
• Openness to change
• Team spirit

Guiding Principles Innovation: We constantly seize opportunities to develop new products, processes, and methods to meet customer demands.

Collaboration: We are part catalyst, part collaborator. We work with partners to maximize existing products and develop customized solutions to meet client needs.

Responsibility: Our commitment to giving back to local communities goes beyond results. We give back to the planet by transforming renewable resources into low-carbon fuels and chemicals.

Agility: Our team is not only fast, but also flexible and creative in meeting customer needs with tailored, timely solutions.

Discipline: In every plant, for every client, for every shipment, we prioritize quality. We operate a tight and transparent supply chain while meeting the highest regulatory standards.