Hiring Requirements:The Manager, Research & Development (R&D), Breads and Buns, leads the R&D function for tortillas, bagels and english muffins portfolio while directly owning and executing a portfolio of product and process development projects. This hands-on leadership role combines people management with technical execution in Bimbo Canada bakeries.
The Manager independently leads projects from concept through commercialization, including formulation development, lab and plant trials, scale-up, validation, launch support, and post-launch technical follow-up. The role is accountable for project scope, timing, technical performance, cost, risk, documentation, and delivery.
Working closely with Commercial, Marketing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain partners, the Manager develops practical, scalable solutions that meet consumer, customer, manufacturing, food safety, quality, sustainability, and financial requirements. The role also provides responsive technical support to Operations, strengthens team capability, and advances innovation, productivity, and technical excellence in alignment with company objectives.
Key Responsibilities:Product and Process Innovation- Lead the R&D pipeline for Breads and Bunsinnovation, renovation, process optimization, quality improvement, and productivity initiatives, while maintaining direct ownership of assigned projects.
- Plan and execute product and process development projects from concept through commercialization, with accountability for scope, milestones, technical deliverables, cost, risk, documentation, and results.
- Translate consumer, customer, and market insights into minimum viable products and scalable bakery product concepts.
- Develop and optimize formulations and production processes for for breads, buns, and rolls.
- Design, schedule, lead, and document lab bakes, pilot work, production trials, scale-up activities, sensory evaluations, shelf-life studies, and launch validations.
- Work directly on the plant floor during trials, start-ups, and issue resolution. Make timely technical decisions and ensure effective handover to Operations and Quality.
- Provide hands-on technical support to Operations through root-cause investigations, troubleshooting, corrective-action development, process optimization, and follow-up to confirm sustained performance.
- Collaborate with Global R&D and partners across the Grupo Bimbo network to evaluate and adopt relevant technologies, product concepts, and best practices.
Commercial Impact and Business Strategy- Partner with Marketing, Operations, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain to align R&D projects with commercial priorities and growth targets.
- Integrate margin management and design-to-value principles into product development decisions.
- Conduct make-or-buy evaluations and assess the financial viability of new technologies and ingredients.
- Monitor competitor activity and emerging trends to inform product strategy and support category leadership.
People and Cross-Functional Leadership- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of food scientists and technologists while remaining directly engaged in day-to-day project execution and plant activities.
- Establish clear project ownership, decision rights, priorities, and performance expectations, and hold team members accountable for delivery.
- Collaborate across functions to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, manufacturing feasibility, launch readiness, and effective technical transfer.
- Build strong partnerships with plant leadership and frontline teams, providing practical technical guidance and timely support during trials, start-ups, and operational challenges.
- Support customer presentations, co-manufacturing partnerships, and business-to-business collaboration, as required.
- Contribute to capital investment planning by defining technical requirements for new equipment and production capabilities.
Governance, Compliance, and Financial Stewardship- Ensure products meet applicable food safety, regulatory, labelling, quality, and internal governance requirements, including CFIA and FDA requirements, as applicable.
- Maintain complete and accurate project documentation, formulation records, trial reports, specifications, technical approvals, and commercialization records.
- Develop and manage the R&D bakery budget, including resource allocation, project prioritization, and spending control.
- Drive the disciplined adoption of new technologies and operating practices in food processing, product development, and commercialization.
- Safeguard intellectual property arising from innovation initiatives by working with Legal and other partners to protect trade secrets and proprietary information.
- Champion a team culture of creativity, agility, collaboration, personal accountability, and executional excellence.
Work Environment and Schedule Flexibility- Regular travel to Bimbo Canada bakeries and sustained hands-on work in manufacturing environments are essential requirements of the role.
- Availability to work extended or non-standard hours, including early mornings and late evenings, is required based on production schedules, trials, start-ups, and business needs.
- Occasional weekend work may be required to support trials, commercialization activities, operational needs, or urgent technical issues.
Experience & Education: - Bachelor's or master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of progressive R&D and product development experience in the CPG, FMCG, or food and beverage industry, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated end-to-end commercialization experience, including formulation development, plant trials, scale-up, launch execution, technical transfer, and post-launch support.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, including CFIA and FDA requirements, as applicable, as well as food safety and quality systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Strong project management and organizational capabilities, with demonstrated accountability for independently delivering multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Creative, analytical, and results-oriented mindset.
- MBA or coursework in business or finance is considered an asset.
The annual salary range for applicants is: $90,000 - $135,000, which does not include discretionary bonus compensation or our comprehensive benefits package. Actual compensation offered to the successful candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level, among other factors.
Growth Opportunities: Bimbo Canada is committed to personal and professional growth. We offer training, development, and advancement opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Innovation: Be part of a company that constantly innovates in the food industry. Your work will contribute to creating delicious products loved by millions.
