Manager Product Development in Toronto

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the development and commercialization of private label products that support category strategies and uphold Metro’s brand standards for quality, performance, and value. Working closely with internal cross-functional teams and external vendor partners, this role provides technical, sensory, and quality expertise throughout the product development lifecycle. The successful candidate will manage multiple projects from concept through launch, ensuring quality products and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved.

Responsibilities

• Manage the development of private label products from strategic concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with category objectives, brand standards, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Business Managers to support category strategies and prioritize product development initiatives that drive growth and customer value.
• Manage product development activities within Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, maintaining accurate and timely project updates throughout the development process.
• Create detailed product specifications to support sourcing and tender initiatives.
• Participate in sensory evaluations across food categories to provide objective, fact-driven feedback to support product optimization and selection.
• Evaluate and recommend product formulations, ingredients, claims/attributes, and preparation methods to ensure alignment with brand standards and category-consumer expectations.
• Conduct technical and sensory assessments of products from prospective and alternate suppliers, providing feedback based on quality, performance, and consumer expectations.
• Review, validate, and approve product specifications, formulations, and supporting technical documentation.
• Investigate and resolve formulation related issues associated with first production, ingredient changes, and supplier reformulations.
• Review artwork for accuracy within the scope of product development responsibilities.
• Serve as a technical resource for Corporate Brands, procurement, and vendor partners, providing category and product expertise.
• Partner with suppliers and cross-functional teams to deliver quality products on time and on budget.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive innovation, improve product quality, optimize costs, and accelerate speed to market.
• Develop and test recipes that highlight our private label products.
• Conduct market assessments, competitive benchmarking, and product evaluations to identify potential opportunities and ensure alignment with consumer and industry trends.
• Support assortment reviews, trend analysis, and product research initiatives that contribute to category development, growth, and strategic decision-making.
• Attend industry trade shows, supplier meetings, and manufacturing facilities to identify emerging trends, technologies, and product opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 5-7 years experience in food product development, preferably private label, and/or food manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of Canadian food regulations (including CFIA standards of identity), manufacturing processes, and quality systems.
• Experience developing, reviewing and managing ingredient and finished product specifications.
• Proven experience managing critical paths, project timelines and key development milestones from concept through commercialization.
• Experience in sensory evaluation across all food categories.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams).
• Experience with SAP is considered an asset.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and/or Product Portfolio Management (PPM) systems is considered an asset.
• A valid Class G driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

Skills And Competencies

• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Working knowledge of food safety principles and their application in product development and manufacturing environments.
• Analytical thinker with strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills to identify product and technical challenges and recommend practical solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results driven.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Passion for food, curiosity-driven and a desire for continuous improvement.

The responsibilities and relationships assigned to this role may change as is necessary to achieve Metro's business objectives.