Senior Product Developer

Job Description

Summary

The Senior Product Developer will serve as a technical expert for our croissant and laminated product and flatbread categories, leading hands-on product development work across pilot and bakery environments. This role will be responsible for developing and improving products, leading plant trials, optimizing manufacturing processes, and providing advanced technical guidance related to ingredients, equipment, automation, and production capabilities.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical knowledge of laminated doughs and/or flatbread production, including mixing, sheeting, folding, fermentation, proofing, baking, and packaging processes. As a senior member of the team, they will mentor Product Developers and co-op students, drive product and process innovation, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to support successful commercialization.

What FGF Offers

• FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training. Unleashing Your Potential
• Competitive Compensation, Health Benefits, & a generous flexible medical / Health spending account
• RRSP matching program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping etc.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and improvement of croissants, laminated products, and flatbreads from concept through commercialization.
• Lead product trials, prepare development samples, and create comprehensive product specifications, including product characteristics, costs, ingredients, bake times, case packs, and distribution requirements.
• Apply technical expertise in laminated dough and flatbread processes, including mixing, sheeting, folding, fermentation, proofing, baking, cooling, and packaging.
• Manage complex sample requests and oversee the preparation of sample boards for designated customers.
• Guide junior team members in producing samples to specification and ensure recipes and product specifications are consistently followed by production teams.
• Provide technical leadership to production and packaging teams by identifying opportunities to improve processes, product consistency, quality, efficiency, and manufacturing performance.
• Lead plant trials and troubleshoot product or process challenges related to ingredients, equipment, automation, and bakery conditions.
• Conduct quality audits and collaborate with cross-functional teams to investigate and resolve product quality concerns.
• Lead internal and external product sensory evaluations and use the findings to guide product improvements.
• Ensure all products comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including labelling, ingredient declarations, and supplier documentation.
• Serve as a key technical contact for customers by responding to inquiries and coordinating cross-functional development projects.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and equipment suppliers to support automation initiatives and enhance production capabilities.
• Coach and develop team members, contributing to their professional growth and strengthening the department’s technical expertise.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field, or a Culinary Diploma/Certification in Baking and Pastry Arts.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in bakery product development, professional baking, pastry, or food manufacturing.
• Experience taking products from concept and formulation through plant scale-up and commercialization.
• Strong understanding of ingredient functionality, formulation principles, processing parameters, and product shelf life.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex product and process issues, analyze data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong mathematical, formulation, documentation, and specification-development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability and interest in training, coaching, and supporting Production teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Flexibility to work early mornings or alternative schedules as required to support production trials.
• Willingness to travel as needed across GTA.
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

What is the recipe for a great career at FGF?Working at FGF Brands, there is never a dull moment! As a successful company that is continually growing there is always challenging yet rewarding work to be a part of. We have an entrepreneurial spirit which encourages all our team members to use their own creativity and out of the box thinking to come up with solutions and new ideas.Disclaimer: The above describes the general responsibilities, required knowledge and skills. Please keep in mind that other duties may be added or this description may be amended at any time.

In compliance with Ontario’s Bill 190, we confirm that this posting represents a current, existing vacancy within our organization.

FGF Brands may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as part of our recruitment and selection process. These tools may assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants. AI tools are used to support our recruitment process, with final hiring decisions made by our recruitment and hiring teams.

FGF Brands is committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, please let our recruitment team know, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

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