Job ID: R2000585419
 

Job  Description:
 

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well®.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong. 

At Loblaw, we help millions of Canadians get through their best days, worst days, celebration days, and every day with the value our private label brands provide. Through our innovation and quality products, we re here for our friends, neighbors, family members and colleagues. We succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. We re looking for adaptable people who are motivated by our goal of helping Canadians Live Life Well®.  

Why is this role important? 

The Director of Product Development plays a crucial role in optimizing our private label product portfolio, uphold product standards and brand guidelines to maintain customer satisfaction and unlocking value for our customers.  This position requires strategic thinking, an understanding of brand development, and technical expertise to lead a team of Product Developers. The primary responsibilities encompass overseeing current product portfolios and and maintaining product quality.

This role collaborates closely with Sourcing, Product Management and Product Quality teams to deliver incremental value on our existing product portfolio.

Product Development Leadership:

• Lead 3-4 developers  in executing the product sourcing plan while adhering to timelines throughout the product development process.
• Cover off sensory approval and low risk projects.
• Approve risk for Plant Trial & First Production attendance, sign off on all National and US travel requests

Product Quality:

• Develop processes for maintaining product quality with a focus on value, customer satisfaction, risk management, and best in class product specifications.
• Ensure PDs  have a thorough technical understanding of existing category portfolio.

Team Development:

• Emphasize colleague growth through coaching and robust Individual Development Plan (IDP) focus.
• Responsible for ensuring successful onboarding and training of all new product developers.

Budget Management:

• Oversee adherence to PD Budget (training, travel, sample purchases).

Marketplace & Trends Understanding:

• Has a thorough understanding of current consumer trends
• Regularly visit retail locations for exposure and understanding of marketplace trends.
• Attend relevant training courses to deepen understanding of consumers' needs within specific categories.

Role Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in food and/or physical sciences, research or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in food product development
• Demonstrated leadership in product development and related processes.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or issues.
• Strong presentation and analytical skills with the ability to provide recommendations and build plans from key analytics
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage multi discipline roles
• Ability to build strong collaborative working relationships with cross functional teams
• Ability to influence and interact effectively with all levels at retail/distribution, vendor and office locations
• Travel will be required and will include local, national, and international (US)

At Loblaw, we respect the environment, source products with integrity and make a positive difference in the community. Our CORE Values Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada s Top Employers.

Loblaw recognizes Canada's diversity as a source of national pride and strength. We have made it a priority to reflect our nation s evolving diversity in the products we sell, the people we hire, and the culture we build in our organization. At Loblaw, we celebrate diversity where differences are valued and supported. Commitment to being an equal opportunity employer is a priority to us, and we encourage people from all backgrounds and identities to apply to our jobs.

Accommodation in the recruitment, assessment, and hiring process is available upon request for applicants with disabilities.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars Environment, Sourcing and Community and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada s Top Employers, Canada s Best Diversity Employers, Canada s Greenest Employers & Canada s Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.
 

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.  
 
 

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.