Research Lab Manager Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a Canadian-based, family-owned, and globally operating business, committed to leaving the world better than we found it. As a B-Corp certified, Triple-Bottom Line company, we proudly manufacture nutritious, 'better-for-you' snacks such as MadeGood and GOOD TO GO. We value teamwork, humility, respect, ownership, adaptability, grit, and fun. We're on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2030, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, you'll have the opportunity to chart your own path to success while contributing to ours. We believe anything worth doing is worth doing right, and our values will guide us through the rugged terrain – and yes, it will get rough. But that's what makes the journey worthwhile. So, lace up your boots and let's tackle the climb together. You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com. Position Summary/Objective: The Lab Technician plays a key role in supporting Riverside's R&D and Innovation teams through the management of laboratory operations, stability programs, sample preparation, and project support activities. This role helps ensure that technical teams can operate efficiently by maintaining organized workspaces, managing materials and equipment, executing shelf-life students and supporting product development activities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail oriented, proactive, and hands-on. They are comfortable working independently, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, and collaborating across teams to support technical activities. Primary Responsibilities:Demonstrate and uphold Riverside's Core Values Lab Operations and Organization:Maintain an adequate stock of required ingredients and consumables using FIFO and traceability principlesEnsure cleanliness and tidiness of lab in conjunction with technical teamsImprove lab organization to improve efficiency of task spacesDevelop and lead initiative to encourage good lab practices amongst the technical teams e.g. auditing of lab, disposing of old materials, labelling, cleaning of storage areasOrganize and inventory products and ingredients in cupboards, freezers and other technical storage spacesMaintain R&D lab equipment and tools, including scheduled calibrations, replacements, etc.Collaborate with Health & Safety and Quality teams to maintain and implement laboratory person and food safety policiesStability Testing:Implementing shelf-life protocols per R&D proceduresOrganize shelf-life sample storage and prepare samples for sensory evaluationsConduct shelf-life tastings with R&D teamSupport scientists in shelf-life report productionAct as SME for Compusense programBenchtop Sample ProductionIndependently produce benchtop samples, package, and label according to R&D requirementsFollow required procedures to ship samples to customersAdministrative SupportCreate and manage purchase orders, track invoices, and support procurement processes for R&D and Innovation teams.Other duties as assigned Reporting Relationships The position reports to the Director, Technical Innovation Education & Qualifications 1+ years of experience, preferably in food R&D, product development, sensory evaluation, laboratories, kitchens, or manufacturing environments.Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree preferred, preferably in a science or science-adjacent discipline.Experience in kitchens, laboratories, manufacturing environments an assetProficient with MS Office, MS Outlook, MS Excel, SharePoint.Experience working in food R&D fields an asset, including sensory evaluation, product development, etc. Skills & Abilities Strong organizational skills and attention to detailStrong interpersonal and communication skillsProactive and self-motivated; able to see gaps and take OWNERSHIP to fill them without being askedDemonstrated ADAPTABILITY and GRIT when faced with setbacks, rapid change and ambiguityDesire for knowledge and personal skill development Excellent time management and organizational skills; can function independentlyKnown as a TEAM player, who is skilled in collaboration and operates with RESPECTAbility to sample Riverside brands' products and ingredients or products of interestAbility to lift and move ingredients, samples and equipment as requiredAbility to travel regularly between Riverside manufacturing sites (Toronto/Vaughan area) Job Scorecard: Key Accountabilities Responsibility KPI/ Metric to Measure Success Current Year Target Maintain functional laboratory spaces Lab audits – acceptable grade 80% Run stability program testing % shelf life studies on track 80% Benchtop Sample Production Administrative Support % PO's processed within SOP timelines 90% Competencies for Success of the Role: Key Riverside Leadership Competencies needed to be successful in this role: Leadership Capabilities Definition FYI Competencies Comments Building Collaborative Relationships Working with internal and external partners respectfully to build win-win relationships and foster opportunities for shared insights and success Collaborates Builds Networks Resourcefulness Self-motivated to reach out to others and start new relationships Readily connects and engages with network at Riverside and externally to solve problems, fill gaps, get support, and return help Delivers Results Delivering results by creatively and effectively seeking the necessary resources, and using grit to tackle challenges faces along the way Resilience Manages Ambiguity Views obstacles and failure as opportunities Creative and resourceful to find solutions to situations where others may stumble Reacts to change with positivity Willing to take initiative Key Riverside Functional Competencies needed to be successful in this role: Functional Capabilities Definition Competencies Comments Project Management Project management is the ability to effectively lead and coordinate cross-functional teams through the design, development, and implementation of projects. This includes defining project objectives, establishing timelines, managing resources, communicating essential information and ensuring adherence to Riverside's standards. Communication Documentation Organization Sensory Science Sensory science is the scientific discipline of understanding and evaluating how consumers experience food through their senses. It involves the ability to design and conduct sensory tests, analyze sensory data and interpret consumer preferences/behaviour in order to inform product development and guide business decisions. A good understanding of sensory experimental design and statistical analysis is required to ensure robust recommendations are drawn from the data. The end goal is to drive consumer focused product development through critical interpretation of consumer and sensory data. Sensory Evaluation Data Collection Statistical Analysis Continuous Improvement Continuous improvement is the proactive approach of consistently seeking to enhance products, processes and performance over time. It involves regularly assessing and refining R&D/Innovation activities, Riverside products and ways of working to reduce waste, increase efficiency, ensure quality and maximize the consumer experience. Problem-solving Learning Reciprocating Feedback Please note this role is an existing vacancy. Salary Range $45,000—$60,000 CAD At Riverside, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation and job posting practices. The range above reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. Exact compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education, and training, as well as other organizational needs, while balancing internal equity. What we expect:Values-led: You'll be a member of a thoughtful and compassionate team that prioritizes respect, teamwork and resourcefulness along with a good dash of fun. Sometimes, even making granola bars is hard, and life's too short to take ourselves so seriously that we don't enjoy the journey.Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: We're still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what we'll offer the world, into the future. This means rolling up your sleeves and sometimes building the process – fast! – while employing it. At Riverside, progress occasionally means proceeding imperfectly, and we're okay with that, as long as we're staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.Access to everyone: We're a flat organization with few silos which means you'll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So don't be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldn't – like the plant, or the boardroom.Personal development: We'll support and empower you to chart your own path and reach any heights you set for yourself. Career paths at Riverside are carved by the people walking on them, not dictated by leaders. Count on us to give you the training and tools to grow and progress.Gratitude: As a growing business, we can't always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, we're all in this together and we value you.Be a Riverside Brand Ambassador: Stay relentlessly close to our consumers and represent the brand in every interaction, decision, and deliverable. Bring the consumer voice into your work by protecting product quality, availability, and experience, acting early when standards slip, and delivering consistent value that earns trust, advocacy, and long-term brand love. What We Offer:Values-led: We don't cut corners or step on anyone or anything on our way to our summit. There is no winning at all costs here. Every step you take must align with our values, no compromises.Courageous determination: As a family-run, rapidly growing business, we are often challenged to find ways to deliver that aren't obvious or easy. You must be willing to try, ask and answer challenging questions, test and learn, turn over every stone, keep moving forward and help us find a way through. Resourcefulness and grit will be your constant companions at Riverside and will serve you well.Humility: We're a small (but growing) fish in a sea of whales and sharks. We know the products we offer are some of the healthiest and most sustainable, but we don't brag about it, and know we have a steep path ahead. We pride ourselves in being respectful and supportive of others while shining brightly through our innovative, high-quality products. There isn't one superstar at Riverside. We take turns leading the way as we climb to the summit.Continuous improvement: As a learn-as-we-go organization, we rely on each other to continuously improve everything we touch to make it better, more efficient, more sustainable, and more endearing to customers, consumers, employees, vendors, partners and the community. We own our mistakes and learn from them as we wind our way to the top. Wait! There's more!Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!RRSP matching or 401k matching for an empowered financial journeyEligibility to participate in Riverside's Profit Sharing PlanJoin Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rightsDevelop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement ProgramAn open concept work environment that embodies our Values How to Apply: If you have the commitment to excellence, the energy, the attitude and experience we need, then please submit your resume to careers(AT)riversidenaturals.com with the job title you are applying for in the subject line or click the apply button! Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you have a disability and require accommodation in the interview process, please let us know when you apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to volume, please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Disclaimer: As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to support the review and assessment of applications. These tools do not make final hiring decisions. All decisions related to screening, interviewing, and selection are made by our Talent Acquisition and hiring teams.