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Job Title


Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.)


Company : Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood)


Location : Vaughan, York Region


Created : 2026-01-18


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.)Join to apply for the Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.) role at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood)Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.)Join to apply for the Senior R&D Specialist (RNF Pet Products Inc.) role at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. (Home of MadeGood)Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.Join Riverside Natural Foods Ltd., a $300 million+ 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.Were on an ambitious mission to double our business by 2027, and we need talented individuals like you to help us reach new heights. At Riverside, youll 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 thats what makes the journey worthwhile.So, lace up your boots and lets tackle the climb together.You can learn more about us at note this posting is for RNF Pet Products Inc.Position Summary/ObjectiveThis position is responsible to develop a portfolio of branded and private label pet food & treats from idea to commercialization.Primary ResponsibilitiesDemonstrate and uphold Riversides Core ValuesResearches and stays abreast of latest pet food and ingredient trends, seeks out novel and/or functional ingredients related to pet food and snacking. Provides technical guidance to cross-functional teams like Marketing on opportunities based on research.Partner with procurement to source new ingredients to provide functional benefits to pets, complying to Riversides supplier quality requirementsDevelops new formulations to expand the RNF Pets product offering, meeting target costs and timeline. Completes all necessary steps including sourcing of new ingredients, developing prototypes, benchmarking against competitors, validating final formulation.Works in conjunction with R&D Manager fulfil product design requirements for PL customersPlans & executes plant trials. Uses results to make recommendations and actionable next stepsValidates manufacturing process for new productsLeads projects to improve productivity, quality, & consistency; engages all stakeholders throughout projectParticipates with R&D manager and engineering to identify and specify requirements for new technology to improve manufacturing of existing product linesResponsible to execute the R&D validation of new equipment to expand capacityDelivers and maintains process specification & finished product specificationMaintains up-to-date ingredient & finished product information in Genesis software and customer specific specificationsCommits to dealing with suppliers and the TEAM in a RESPECTFUL and authentic mannerExecutes special projects to improve R&D capabilitiesKeeps updated documentation of assigned projectsKeeps the work atmosphere FUN by keeping it light and welcomingOther duties as requiredReporting RelationshipsThe position reports directly to President Product Development & CommercializationNo positions report to the Scientist.Education & QualificationsPost-secondary degree in Food Science, Engineering or NutritionProven experience with product development life cycle (3+ years) in the Pet Food/Snack categorySkills & AbilitiesAbility to work independently and prioritize workloadDelivers results in context of time and budget constraintsAbility to take OWNERSHIP and prioritize workloadPASSIONATE and brings enthusiasm to everything we doStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsDesire for career growth and personal skill developmentExceptional time management and organizational skills, self-starter with a high level of initiative and AGILITYDesire for personal skill development keeping a HUMBLE approach throughoutWhat We ExpectValues-led: Youll 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 lifes too short to take ourselves so seriously that we dont enjoy the journey.Unparalleled experiences and opportunities: Were still determining who we are and what we can be. Help us shape what this organization will look like and what well 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 were okay with that, as long as were staying true to our values and learning and improving along the way.Access to everyone: Were a flat organization with few silos which means youll have full access to everyone from our founders to our production staff. Even when employees dress up, they wear steel-toed shoes. So dont be shy. Speak up, share your ideas and go places you normally wouldnt like the plant, or the boardroom.Personal development: Well 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 cant always offer formal recognition like awards programs, but we do show our true gratitude and appreciation. At Riverside, were all in this together and we value you.What We OfferValues-led: We dont 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 arent 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: Were 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 dont 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 isnt 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! Theres more!Immerse yourself in our comprehensive benefits program, with Riverside taking care of the costs!RRSP matching or IRA matching for an empowered financial journeyJoin 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 ValuesHow To ApplyIf 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.Seniority levelSeniority levelNot ApplicableEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionIndustriesSoftware Development, Technology, Information and Internet, and IT Services and IT ConsultingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Riverside Natural Foods Ltd. 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