Job Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Product Developer is responsible for the end-to-end development of new products, from formulation through to commercial launch. This role is ideal for a hands-on product development professional with a strong passion for food and proven experience within the meat and protein manufacturing sector.

The Product Developer will support Leadbetter Foods' by developing and optimizing products that align with business objectives, operational capabilities, and regulatory requirements. While the role is based in Orillia,

travel to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will be required as needed

.

Product Development & Commercialization

Lead full product development lifecycle from concept, benchtop trials, pilot runs, to full-scale commercialization. Develop and optimize formulations across meat, poultry, value-added, convenience, and fully cooked product categories. Ensure formulations meet cost, nutritional, sensory, and operational feasibility targets. Support plant trials and troubleshoot processing or quality challenges to improve yield, consistency, and efficiency.

Specifications, Documentation & Compliance

Create, maintain, and approve detailed product specifications, ingredient matrices, SOPs, and processing parameters. Conduct shelf-life studies (real-time and accelerated), sensory evaluations, and competitive benchmarking. Ensure all formulations, labels, and claims comply with CFIA regulations; USDA/FDA knowledge is considered an asset. Review and approve packaging dielines, artwork, claims, allergen declarations, nutrition fact tables, FOP labeling, and bilingual requirements. Maintain organized, audit-ready regulatory and formulation records.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Collaborate closely with Operations, QA, Procurement, and external vendors to assess raw materials, functional ingredients, equipment capabilities, and cost-saving opportunities. Provide regulatory and technical support during audits, customer reviews, vendor assessments, and product launches. Monitor and interpret regulatory changes at the federal, provincial, and global levels, implementing updates as required.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. 3-7 years of hands-on product development experience within meat, poultry, protein, CPG, or value-added food manufacturing. Strong working knowledge of CFIA regulations; USDA/FDA experience is an asset. Proven experience with commercialization, shelf-life testing, and plant trials. Knowledge of HACCP, PCP, allergen control, and GFSI certification standards. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to communicate technical information clearly.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $75,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Discounted or free food Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Vision care
Application question(s):

Do you hold a Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field? How many years of hands-on product development experience do you have within meat, poultry, protein, or value-added food manufacturing? Have you led product development projects from formulation through full-scale commercialization (bench ? pilot ? plant launch)? Are you comfortable working in a meat processing environment, including exposure to raw proteins, cold temperatures, and food safety controls? This role requires in-person work in Orillia and travel to the GTA. Are you able to meet these requirements?
Work Location: In person