Senior Product Development Technologist

We are America’s largest processor, marketer and distributor of branded and private label rice products. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence and the company is committed to providing the most wholesome products on the market today, to leading both the rice and pasta industries in innovation, and to providing high-quality products you can be proud to serve your family. Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader of the rice sector, we take a world view of the rice and pasta business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company. Riviana Foods Canada has options for every meal occasion! Look for us online at www.riviana.com or www.olivieri.ca POSITION SUMMARY: Senior Product Development Technologist will be part of the Research and Development team. In this role, the Senior Product Development Technologist will have a focus on the development of each of the product categories. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES ·      Responsible for all aspects of benchtop prototype creation, including setting up recipes, obtaining ingredient samples, preparing samples in lab, and evaluating results ·      Lead plant trials, overseeing all aspects of trial execution, including issuing recipes, ensuring products meet required specifications, collecting data, documenting outcomes and reporting trial costs to plant finance ·      Attend first production runs, monitor performance on line and make recommendations to address any challenges ·      Champion reformulation projects for product improvement, ingredient substitutions, cost-reduction or plant simplification ·      Support innovation initiatives, collaborating with other members of the R&D team ·      Work closely with other plant departments including quality assurance, operations, and maintenance to achieve cross-functional objectives ·      Prepare all documentation (e.g. formulas, change notifications, etc) required to support development process ·      Set up & participate in sensory evaluation of products ·      Organize sample shipments to customers, including collecting & screening product samples, packing shipments, and coordinating to ensure export paperwork is completed ·      Conduct chemical & physical lab analysis (e.g. pH, moisture, water activity, rheology) as required to support product development activities ·      Manage sample inventory of packaging, raw ingredients and finished goods ·      Maintain R&D lab cleanliness & organization SKILLS REQUIRED ·      BSc in Food Science or related discipline required ·      2-3 years of experience in R&D in the food industry ·      Manufacturing experience with fresh and/or frozen prepared meals and sauces preferred ·      Resourceful with proven problem solving skills and a high attention to detail ·      Ability to apply analytical thinking skills in a dynamic manufacturing environment ·      Self-motivated with a drive to learn and adaptable to changing priorities ·      Strong oral & written communication skills ·      Technical understanding of ingredient functionality and food processing ·      Passion for working with food and strong culinary skills ·      Proficient in Microsoft Office. AODA Policy: Olivieri Foods, a brand of Riviana Foods Canada Corporation is committed to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available upon request of job applicants. If you require any sort of accommodations or assistance, please inform our HR team at 905-560-6200 ext. 243 prior to or during the interview stage.