Company Overview:

At YogenFruz, we specialize in creating delightful and innovative treats that bring joy to our customers. As a frontrunner in the frozen treat category, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional products that make every moment special. We are currently seeking a talented Product Developer to join our team and lead the development of exciting new treats.

Job Description:

We're looking for a creative, hands-on Product Developer with deep experience in frozen yogurt, soft serve or ice cream. You'll lead product development across our family of brands: Yogen Früz®, Pinkberry®, Yogurty's®, Yeh! Yogurt®, Sweet Jesus and Swensen's®.

You'll own new products from first idea through launch in stores and at retail. You'll set the innovation pipeline, work with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain and Quality, and lead and mentor a Product Developer. The ideal candidate pairs strong frozen dessert technical skills with strategic thinking and a passion for great products.

Job Responsibilities:

- Lead innovation: Build and run the innovation pipeline across multiple brands. Spot trends, gaps and growth opportunities.
- Own products end to end: Take projects from idea to launch, on time, on budget and aligned with business goals.
- Develop and scale recipes: Create and refine frozen yogurt and ice cream bases, toppings, beverages, baked goods, snacks and packaged products. Make sure each one can be produced consistently in stores and by manufacturers, and meets cost targets.
- Set strategy: Work with senior leadership to set annual innovation priorities, product roadmaps and launch plans.
- Lead and mentor: Coach a Product Developer day to day, set clear priorities and build a culture of accountability and learning.
- Coordinate across teams: Lead project teams across Marketing,



Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, QA and outside manufacturing partners.
- Manage suppliers: Build strong relationships with ingredient suppliers, co-manufacturers and packaging vendors to drive innovation, quality and cost savings.
- Test and evaluate: Run sensory panels, compare products against competitors and lead consumer testing to maintain top product quality and guest experience.
- Ensure quality and compliance: Oversee product testing, shelf-life work and specifications. Ensure compliance with CFIA (Safe Food for Canadians Regulations), FDA and USDA rules, including nutrition labelling and allergen requirements for Canada and the US.
- Improve processes and report: Improve development procedures and documentation. Present updates, business cases and recommendations to senior leadership.

Qualifications:

- Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science or a related field. Culinary training combined with significant frozen dessert R&D; experience will also be considered.
- 7+ years of hands-on product development experience, including frozen desserts (frozen yogurt, soft serve or ice cream).
- Solid technical knowledge of frozen dessert mix design: dairy solids, sweeteners, stabilizers/emulsifiers, overrun, freezing behaviour, pasteurization and cultures.
- Experience leading projects and mentoring or managing others.
- Proven ability to manage several complex projects at once.




- Working knowledge of CFIA, FDA and USDA regulations, HACCP and food safety programs.
- A refined palate and strong sensory skills for balancing flavour and texture.
- Solid communication skills and experience working with stakeholders across teams.

Nice To Have

- Experience scaling products up in a manufacturing plant or with co-manufacturers.
- Foodservice, QSR or franchise experience, including rolling out products to many locations.
- Product costing and nutrition/formulation software (e.g., Genesis R&D;, ESHA).
- Familiarity with GFSI standards (SQF/BRCGS) and clean-label, plant-based, or reduced-sugar recipes.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, color, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Human Resources department at [email protected]. We will work with you to meet your needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $110,000.00-$120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Markham, ON L3R 8V2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- What is your salary expectation? (Provide a salary range.)
- How many years of experience do you have developing frozen desserts?

Work Location: In person

📌 Lead R&D Food Developer (Markham)
🏢 Yogen Früz
📍 Markham