R&D Specialist

Job summary

Lead the development and optimization of patisserie mix products, adapting formulas to customer needs, market opportunities, cost, productivity, and performance goals. Support sales, customers, operations, and quality through technical presentations, troubleshooting, documentation, and continuous improvement.

Job details

Join the Magic Our Mission At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities. We are more than 10.000 employees in over 85 countries and a consolidated turnover of 3.1 billion euros (in 2023). Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical. To strengthen our team in Mississauga, Canada, we are looking for: R&D Specialist - Patisserie Mixes (12 months Contract) (Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) Your Mission Reporting to R&D Director Patisserie, you will be responsible of leading local research, development and/or adaptation of Patisserie Mixes in the Company in order to contribute to the business growth and operational efficiency, contributing to the financial growth of the Strategic Business Unit Patisserie by providing the necessary research and development expertise and assistance to ensure the continued success in sales & product development with new & existing customers. What You Will Do Product Innovation & Development Lead the development of new and tailor-made products aligned with customer needs, market opportunities and the innovation stage-gate process. Recommend new concepts and business opportunities based on market trends, R&D innovation and customer insights. Ensure product development is supported by complete technical documentation, sound IP practices and confidentiality. Formula & Portfolio Optimization Adapt existing formulas to improve cost, productivity and performance, including raw material rationalization. Partner with Regulatory Affairs and Marketing on cleaner-label opportunities and compliant formula transitions. Proactively optimize the product portfolio through SKU rationalization, positioning and continuous improvement. Customer & Business Development Support Support Sales in identifying new opportunities, understanding local market needs and protecting products at risk. Deliver customer presentations, seminars and technical demonstrations that communicate product benefits. Provide plant-level technical support and troubleshooting to ensure strong product performance. Technical Governance, Quality & Operations Maintain accurate, accessible project and technical documentation in line with NPD procedures and support item control activities. Support Operations and Quality with root-cause analysis, rework recommendations and annual review of non-conformities. Follow all safety, food safety and quality procedures; promptly report issues and complete other assignments from the Manager. Expertise, Collaboration & Continuous Improvement Build deep product knowledge through training, field experience and collaboration with business unit and R&D specialists. Develop a commercially valuable network across customers, suppliers, researchers and the international R&D community. Share intelligence on innovative raw materials and technologies that can differentiate the product portfolio. What We Expect From You Post-secondary degree in Food Science or a related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred. Minimum five years of experience in food product development or technical sales, ideally within the baking, patisserie or ingredients industry. Strong scientific foundation with practical problem-solving, analytical and planning capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French is an asset. Proficient in Microsoft Office; SAP experience is an asset. Proactive, organized and able to lead multiple projects, challenge the status quo and improve processes. Customer-oriented, collaborative and creative, with strong business development and networking skills and a passion for food. Self-motivated and adaptable in a changing environment, available to travel up to 30%, and committed to Puratos values: Team Spirit, Ethics, Quality, Passion, Courage and Vision What You Can Expect From Puratos We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respectful work environment by putting people first. We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.

What you’ll do

Lead the development and optimization of patisserie mix products, adapting formulas to customer needs, market opportunities, cost, productivity, and performance goals. Support sales, customers, operations, and quality through technical presentations, troubleshooting, documentation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

A post-secondary degree in Food Science or a related discipline is required, with a master's degree preferred, along with at least five years of experience in food product development or technical sales. Candidates should have strong scientific, analytical, communication, planning, and customer-development skills; English proficiency is required, while French and SAP experience are assets.

Listed skills

• Technical Documentation · Preferred
• SAP · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Food safety · Preferred
• Root Cause Analysis · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Food Product Development
• Patisserie Mixes
• Product Innovation
• Formula Optimization
• Customer Needs Analysis
• Technical Sales Support
• Food Science
• Problem-Solving
• Analytical Skills
• Project Management
• Technical Documentation
• Root-Cause Analysis
• Food Safety
• Quality Management
• Microsoft Office
• SAP

Job areas

• Food & Beverage
• Science & Research
• Manufacturing
• Sales

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