Company Description Ascona Foods Canada is a member of a dynamic group of companies specializing in product development and manufacture of food ingredients and technologies. Ascona Foods Canada celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 at its flagship office located in Mississauga, Ontario. Ascona’s state-of-the-art R&D facility includes a fully equipped test kitchen including pilot scale processing equipment. The Ascona Foods Group is known for its innovative product development. Products designed by Ascona can be found in all major and many independent grocers across North America and throughout the world. Ascona's products are also sold into food service and distribution channels.

Ascona's product development process is uniquely tailored to every customer's needs. Ascona caters to a variety of industries including meat processing, vegetarian processing, batter & breading, dry spices & seasonings, sauces, nutraceutical, and health & wellness. Ascona’s product development team is made up of a diverse group of individuals with specialties in technical food processing and culinary arts. Ascona is a fast-paced environment focused on developing high quality, innovative food products. Competitive salaries and benefit packages offered.

Role Description Product Development Specialists exercise culinary skills and food production knowledge to create new recipes and formulas for industrial food processors. Conduct hands-on bench testing for ingredient review and comparison specific to performance, function and cost. Master a wide range of ingredients with exemplary knowledge of ingredient function, application, origin, and regulation. Develop functional ingredient systems for wide range of end products including meat processing, batter and breading, vegetarian & vegan, spice rubs, and seasoning blends. Create matched formulas for competitors’ products for flavour and function criteria. Create line extensions for existing products in market. Demonstrate least cost formulating and cost reduce existing products. Conduct sensory and quantitative analysis of ingredient blends and finished goods.

Ensure all products are developed efficiently and effectively from ideation through to commercial implementation. Ensure formulations meet all possible targets as outlined by project development request. Attend customer plant trials off site to ensure formulas perform in scale up environment. Understand and provide guidance on optimization of operational practices and procedures in industrial scale production environment.

As a member of the Research and Development Department, work alongside other departments including Purchasing, QA/QC, Regulatory, and Sales & Business Development to ensure new projects are developed within cost parameters and meet food safety standards. Work alongside Operations & Logistics departments to ensure products developed meet standards for successful commercialization and feasible implementation of commercial goods.

Qualifications • Post secondary degree or diploma in Food Science, Product Development, Science and Business, or related field. • 3-7 years’ experience in a similar or related role where applicable product development skills are obtained. • Strong understanding of food qualities, nutritional content, and industrial processing methods. • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. • Detail-oriented with strong documentation and record-keeping skills. • Moderate knowledge in nutrition, food chemistry, methods of analysis, and government regulations (CAN & US). • Ability to handle multiple complex projects with competing timelines and priorities. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. • Excellent time management, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills. • Willingness to go beyond expectations, learn new skills, and take on new challenges & responsibilities. • Strong attention to cleanliness and organization in a food-safe workspace. Comfortable working in cold environments such as walk-in coolers. Capable of lifting up to 25 lbs as part of regular duties. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel) and nutrition calculation software (MensuSano or Genesis). • Willingness and ability to travel throughout Canada and United States.