Job Title: R&D/Application Specialist – Fiber portfolio
Location: This is a full-time on-site position based out in Oakville, Ontario.
Status: Permanent, full-time (1). This is a newly created opportunity.
As an R&D / Application Specialist, you will report to the R&D/Innovation Manager to drive innovation within our Fiber portfolio. You will lead the development of prebiotic fiber applications, create innovative ingredient solutions, and provide technical expertise to support customer success and business growth.
Working at the intersection of science, innovation, and commercialization, you will transform technical challenges into market-ready solutions and showcase new product concepts that help our customers bring exceptional products to life.
At Quadra, we put people first so that together, we can reimagine the possibilities.
With over 650 employees across North America, we offer a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where innovation, autonomy, and continuous growth are encouraged. Proudly certified as a Great Place to Work® and recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for over 20 years, Quadra is a place where you can make a real impact while growing your career!
What would be your main responsibilities as a R&D/Application Specialist?:
- Lead all new prebiotic product development, including product troubleshooting and improvement, as well as concept development.
- Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop trend-driven product concepts by leveraging category insights, consumer trends, and competitive intelligence to identify whitespace opportunities for innovation.
- Partner with the commercial team to identify and deliver on dedicated project opportunities for our partners.
- Develop expertise with products, ingredients, and formulation techniques across a variety of product categories outside of dietary supplements, including functional food and pet nutrition.
- Maintain R&D laboratory operations, ingredient inventories, and ensure adherence to Good Laboratory and Manufacturing Practices (GLMP).
- Stay ahead of emerging market trends and technology advancements in the dietary supplement and better-for-you product industries to facilitate continuous improvement.
- Represent Quadra at industry trade shows and events, gathering market intelligence and showcasing our capabilities.
- Collaborate with the commercial team in customer calls and presentations, serving as a subject matter expert.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to review all technical documentation related to projects and product development including product specifications, nutritional tables, labels, materials, and Bills of Material.
- Provide technical support to leadership, commercial team, quality assurance, and the operations team to assist with troubleshooting, problem solving and team technical trainings
- Gather customer feedback and marketplace review insights to continuously improve formulations, application concepts, and future innovation strategies.
What are the requirements to be successful in this position?:
- Bachelor’s degree degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry or a related program is required.
- A minimum of 4 years of experience formulating supplements, nutritional products, or better-for-you food products, with experience in ready-to-mix powders considered an asset.
- Hands-on experience with formulation, product development, and troubleshooting, ideally with functional ingredients, fibers, prebiotics, or starches.
- Strong understanding of food processing technologies, including heating, mixing, extrusion, and ingredient functionality.
- Demonstrated application of prebiotic and/or resistant starch ingredients in various product formats is considered an asset. Strong organizational, time management, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrated value creation and delivery of applications projects on time and on budget.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect easily with internal and external business partners.
- Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Curious, innovative, and self-motivated mindset with a passion for staying on top of emerging food and nutrition trends.
- Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently or as part of a team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, GFSI, Food Safety, and Good Laboratory Practices.
- Ability to travel occasionally to customer sites, industry events, and trade shows.
At Quadra, we offer not only an engaging culture, a collaborative, family-oriented and supportive environment, but also plenty of autonomy and flexibility. We also offer you the opportunity to be part of a professional, fun, innovative and committed team in a growing, people-oriented, Great Place to Work® certified organization. In addition to being Great Place to Work® certified, Quadra has been recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies for over 20 years! You will work with dynamic colleagues who are eager to share their knowledge with you.
Here are some of the perks of choosing Quadra:
- Permanent, full-time position: Join us for a stable, long-term career
- Competitive salary & Performance Incentives: Your hard work is rewarded with attractive compensation and bonuses
- Flexible Remote Work & Autonomy: Enjoy the flexibility to work from home a portion of the time! We value the flexibility of working remotely, at the same time, fostering strong relationships within your team and across the organization is essential, and in-person interactions play a key role in building those connections.
- Tailored training: We provide personalized training to support you and your growth
- Excellent Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, HSA, and more to keep you covered including our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and access to telemedicine/Virtual healthcare
- Generous Time Off: Flexible personal days, sick days and vacation to recharge
- Wellness Programs: Enhance your quality of life with wellness initiatives, including health and mental wellness programs from healthcare leaders
- Pension plan with match: Plan your future with our matched pension plan program
- Family-owned and support environment: Be part of a private, family-owned company with a strong infrastructure and core values
- Award-Winning Workplace: Work in a certified Great Place to Work®, and Best Managed Company!
- Inclusive Culture: We celebrate diversity and caring for each other and having fun are part of our core values!
- Career Growth: Unlock opportunities for development in a fast-paced growing company
- Fun Social Activities: Get involved in company events, Volunteering programs, etc.
- Referral & Recognition Programs: Earn monetary rewards through our referral and employee recognition programs (years of service, merit awards, etc.)
Compensation Information: The annual base salary for this position is expected to range between $61,200.00 and $91,800.00. Please note that this base salary range is provided for reference purposes only. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Base salary represents just one component of our overall compensation package. This role is also eligible for a generous incentive program and comprehensive benefits. Quadra’s salary ranges are benchmarked against the market and determined by role and level. Final base salary will be aligned with the selected candidate’s qualifications, skill set, competencies, and work location.
At Quadra, we are committed to offering a competitive and rewarding total compensation package that recognizes your expertise and supports your professional growth.
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Quadra supports and values diversity and offer equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status and gender identity. Quadra also welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We recognize that some people do not identify themselves as either male or female. Therefore, whenever possible, we have opted for a gender-neutral wording in a non-discriminatory spirit.
Please note that Quadra recruiters only use official @quadragroup.com email addresses. We never request fees or sensitive personal information during recruitment. Be cautious if you receive messages from domains that look similar to Quadra Group but are not official. If in doubt, please contact us directly via our Careers page.
