Senior R&D Project Manager-Cheese

About Us:

Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.

Job Purpose

The Sr. Research & Development Project Manager – Cheese is responsible for providing technical leadership, expertise for the development of new products, product improvement and cost savings by conducting independent research and industrial investigation to support R&D for new products or industrial solutions. As a senior member of the R&D Cheese team, this position is the technical resource specialist within the R&D Group, accountable for providing leadership and specialized knowledge in support of manufacturing and engineering in multiple complex technologies. Technical representative with academia and industry to correspond on research & business opportunities.

Responsibility

• Lead complex scientific experiments that offer potential for in-depth understanding of cheese systems leading to the identification of new products or processes to benefit quality or cost savings improvements. Conduct experiments, produce documentation, and provide conclusions in support of the business initiative.  When applicable, supports development designs and establishes P&ID/flow schematics with the engineering team and participates in the commissioning.
• Effectively lead multiple complex research projects by directing and implementing the transfer of research activities to the industrial manufacturing stage. - including providing preliminary product cost analysis in formulation development and recoveries (Lactalis PCI Cost Structure) and working collaboratively with finance.
• Leadership in - the implementation of manufacturing projects related to Continuous Improvement (CI) & Return on Investment (ROI) by trouble-shooting technical issues, - provide recommendation to Industrial management and staff to take positive actions and accountability for their assigned target.
• Identify new and innovative technical manufacturing opportunities.  This would include conducting a full analysis of the potential benefits and providing a cost analysis, then presenting to senior R&D management to determine project potential in alignment with business objectives including project budgetary proposal.
• Influence internal customers (i.e. Purchasing, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance) at the senior levels to execute short- and long-term business deliverables such opportunities for new product lines, product categories. Provide recommendation and/or directive to management team on regulatory initiatives and/or resolving regulatory concerns/issues involving the CFIA.
  Lead investigations and collaborate with Corporate Lactalis divisions (Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality and Legal) to assess and develop the action plan in addressing production issues and / or technical opportunities.
  Negotiating with external vendors on contracts for leasing new equipment required for pilot/experimental design. Leading technical projects that are partnered with universities
  Responsible to ensure Quality is fundamental in execution of all work activities and work in compliance to – Lactalis Quality Systems (e.g., Knowledge of quality programs as HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practices, -QSL)
  Provide leadership and guidance to assigned R&D staff by providing work direction, performance feedback and recommendations for training and development.

Qualifications

• University degree in Dairy Technology/Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related discipline
• Masters / PhD an asset
• 8+ years of experience

• Thorough knowledge of natural cheese and their functionality
• Creative problem-solving skills to develop and perform bench-top and pilot plant experiments to achieve the solution.
• Ability to apply theories and practice of chemistry/Dairy/food science/microbiology to lead manufacturing process improvement and/or develop new innovative products.
• Strong written and interpersonal/communication skills with internal and external sources for technical information and ingredient assistance
• Strong regulatory knowledge including Canada Food Drug Regulation, and Guide to Food Labeling
• Ability to effectively report, communicate results and provide recommendations to the various functions (Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Purchasing)
• Organize and report results using a variety of computer applications (Excel, Microsoft Word, Lotus Notes, Nutritional programs - Genesis)
• Effectively-lead multiple projects and the assignments of priorities within the defined project area.
• Ability to lead, train and develop direct reports if applicable.
• Ability to produce accurate documents of experiments in support of Company standards and SR&ED tax credits.
• Bilingual French, an asset when applicable

Competency

Care

Dare

Inspire

Share

What Lactalis will offer:

Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:

• A Competitive Base Salary

• A Performance-Based Bonus System

• 4 Weeks of Vacation

• Benefits starting day 1

• A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%

• Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year

• A Volunteer Day to give back to your community

• Learning and Development opportunities

• A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility

Our ESG commitment:

Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.

At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.

Our commitment to DEI:

Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.

Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.

Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer. 

Compensation:

As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is: $99,100.00–$123,900.00 .

Please note: Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.