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 70 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 strength our R&D team in Canada, we are looking for:

R&D Manager Patisserie Mixes

(Mississauga, Ontario, Canada)

Your Mission

Reporting directly to the R&D Director Patisserie, you will be responsible for profitable business growth of the product category through the development of innovative solutions, business development, cost optimization, operational support, people management and resource planning.

What you will do

Manage direct reports and their output

• Align the R&D activities with sales, marketing and operations expectations
• Continuously challenge the optimal use & efficiency of R&D and measure with KPI
• Assure a pipeline of talent and ensure competence building in an environment of self-motivation and interdependency

Contribute actively to the category strategy

• Identify market / product opportunities and threats and implement action plans accordingly
• Contribute to development, implementation and support of the yearly category initiatives and actions
• Closely follow the sales results and propose measures to ensure profitable growth 
• Ensure a functional link with the BU responsible in the Head Quarters

Development of new products and concepts

• Formulation of products in line with the yearly marketing plan by active participation in the local Innovation process.
• Tailor-made customer demands by following our Go No Go process.

Adaptation of existing formulas

• Develop and enable execution of cost reduction programs maintaining performances, including raw material rationalisation
• pro-actively develop strategies with the BDT to optimise the existing portfolio (SKU reduction, positioning, ...)

Business Development support to Sales for above mentioned product categories by:

• identifying new business opportunities at large customers (prospection)
• detecting products at risk
• implementing appropriate solutions (existing and new)
• making internal and external presentation and seminars explaining benefits of our products
• participate in strategic exercises intending to develop our business in the above-mentioned products. This should be based on a good understanding of the local market.

Support Operations and TQM:

• support in case of quality issues: judging, root-cause analysis and rework
• ensure all steps are respected for a faultless implementation of new products in production
• review on a yearly base with QC the non-conformities and look for optimizations
• support the TQM requirements

Manage accurately all technical administration

• Ensure complete documentation on raw materials, formulations, process parameters, item requests, QC tests, labelling, TDS on new or revised products.
• ensure project documentation is in line with our NPD procedure by using the appropriate tools 
• support the Technical Documentation department
• ensure confidentiality on formulas and technology

Build expertise & network in speciality area

• Becoming leading expert in the product range by training and field experience.
• Ensure a functional link with the BU specialists in Head Quarters
• Build an active network of customers, machine suppliers, researchers, vendors and the international Puratos R&D community
• Provide intelligence on innovative raw materials & technologies that can differentiate our products

Assure premium performances of the R&D lab by designing standardised baking tests and respecting the 5S and GMP policy, and by advising on equipment needs and process improvements

Act with Safety in mind.

Food Safety:

• comply with our food safety procedures upon new raw material selection, product development or modification and sample preparation.
• report all food safety and quality issues to immediate Supervisor and / or head of Quality.

Responsible for any other assignment given by the direct superior.

What we expect from you

• Experience: Minimum 5 years in new product development R&D or technical experience, with a minimum 2 years managing direct reports
• Languages: Fluent in English; French an asset
• Expertise: Advanced knowledge in food legislation and quality control and management, Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Academic degree: University degree in food science or equivalent (Bachelor of Science, ideally Master)
• Mobility: up to 30% to time, expected to travel to customer meetings within Canada, to Puratos HQ in Belgium, and other markets if needed (ex US)

What you can expect from Puratos

At Puratos, you will join a fast-growing, stable family business that has become an international market leader, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all team member’s contributions are valued. Our corporate culture prioritizes innovation and entrepreneurship, providing you with a great deal of freedom in your work and plenty of room for initiative.

You can expect a great work environment with lots of challenges, responsibilities, and the possibility to take ownership of your work. We actively practice a People First culture (our “Calling for Caring”), encouraging professional growth through training and career opportunities.

Join our team and experience Puratos Magic in a dynamic environment that values both productivity and personal well-being!

Watch our corporate movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNRsBzuRlNI