R&D Food Scientist

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.

We’re 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, 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. Join us as our R&D FOOD SCIENTIST.

You can learn more about us at www.riversidenaturalfoods.com .

Position Summary/Objective:

Reporting to the R&D Director or his/her representative, the R&D Food Scientist is responsible for bringing new formulations to life. The Food Scientist will be a self-starter with a strong passion for understanding manufacturing processes and how these interact with our formulations. They will thrive on quick problem solving, foster a technical mindset and can navigate a complex production environment. This role is dynamic, fast-paced, and requires the R&D Food Scientist to embrace change and challenge.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Commercialize formulations for new innovative products, with an operation’s savvy mindset, considering equipment capability, nutritional profile, consumer needs, cost and sensory targets.
• Real-time problem-solving production issues on the factory floor, collaborating with stakeholders to arrive at evidence-based solutions
• Responsible for executing R&D commissioning of new equipment/ factory lines to expand capacity
• Plans and executes plant trials in conjunction with the Operations team, using results to make data-driven recommendations and actionable next steps
• Delivers and maintains detail-oriented manufacturing & formula specifications
• Maintains up-to-date ingredient & finished product information in Genesis software
• Leads projects to improve productivity, quality, & consistency using a data-forward approach
• Collaborates closely with stakeholders (Procurement, Quality, Operations) on projects requiring R&D expertise
• Proactively executes projects to improve R&D processes & capabilities
• Keeps updated documentation of assigned projects
• Contributes to building Riverside internal R&D and product development processes
  
  

Skills and Abilities:

• Undergraduate degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline
• 2+ years previous R&D experience commercializing new products within the food industry
• Experience using Genesis, TraceGains and Compusense would be an asset
• Strong belief in Riverside’s mission and wholeheartedly embody our core values: Humility, Respect, Teamwork, Fun, Grit, Ownership, Adaptability
• Strong affinity for data analysis and critical thinking with meticulous attention to detail
• Proactive mindset with a continuous learning mentality
• Quick and creative problem solver
• Comfortable with ambiguity, resilient and adapts quickly to changing priorities
• Commitment to technical excellence and data-driven decision-making
• Excellent project manager and team player with ability to work effectively across the organization
• Passion to shape the future of R&D at Riverside
• Knowledge of sensory science is a plus
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time inside and outside Canada
  
  

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.
  
  

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 IRA matching for an empowered financial journey
• Join Employee-Led Resource Groups (ERGs) championing mental health, sustainability, diversity, women, and LGBTQ+ rights
• Develop your career further through our Riverside University program and with our Tuition Reimbursement Program
• An 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 subject line R&D FOOD SCIENTIST 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.