Who we are
Skjodt-Barrett is a world-class manufacturer of food solutions and custom ingredients for North America's most beloved and trusted brands. We take pride in working closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and create innovative, individualized solutions that deliver joy to their customers.
A family-founded company started over 40 years ago, we are backed by the investment company Axel Johnson Inc (AJI). With their investment and support, we are well-positioned to foster growth and explore new opportunities.
Our customers, blue-chip international brands and mid-sized producers alike, are why we exist. Our teams of innovators, communicators, and managers are the people who meet their needs, build trust, and exceed their expectations.
Who we need
Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, we are looking for a leader to join us as a Director of Research & Development (12 months contract). This is an opportunity to bring your food science knowledge and passion for nurturing teams together to introduce processes and lead a team of 15 people. You will provide strategic direction, decision‑making, and leadership for new product development, customer facing communication, processing, commercialization and current product optimizations.
This is a hybrid role working 3+ days per week onsite at our cutting‑edge facility in Brampton, Ontario.
Who you are
You are an experienced consultant or Director in Product Development or R&D at a food, ingredient or beverage company looking for a 12 months contract term. You are ready to take on the accountabilities of a Director role where you can bring your insights, best practices, and industry knowledge to make an impact on an evolving team through growth and transformation.
What's in it for you
Impact. You want to lead a team. You want to bring your passion for growing teams and building technical capabilities of individuals at a place where you can apply your insights, design and implement new processes, and measure the change you are making. You will have the autonomy to determine how the work is done. You will shape your role and team to fit how the business is operating today and in the future.
Influence. This is a truly unique opportunity as you connect with leaders and teams cross‑functionally to gain a deep understanding of business needs, from customer requirements to supply procurement to plant operational setup. You will play a critical role in distilling the information to prioritize, make decisions, and set product development into motion.
How you will make an impact
Drive the product innovation strategy. You will drive our product development strategy in alignment with business objectives and market trends. You will work closely with customer service, sales, procurement, operations, and quality assurance to meet product innovation demands. You will prioritize projects based on customer demand, ingredient availability, and technical feasibility. You will build partnerships with customers and suppliers.
Lead, develop, and optimize processes. You will develop, implement, and monitor effective systems and procedures to manage multiple projects in the sales and innovation pipeline. You will guide the team in meeting operational standards for quality, cost, food safety, and sustainability. You will lead cross‑functional teams in the technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluation and reporting phases. You will continuously improve product development processes and incorporate best practices including overseeing the safe operation of a pilot plant environment to test and validate new products.
Oversee the team. You will manage, teach and mentor the research and development team, identifying gaps in skills and working closely with individuals to build their strengths. You will share knowledge and expertise with the team and foster a culture of learning and growth. You will nurture in‑team and cross‑functional collaboration. You will lead the change management process to encourage adopting and engaging with new operating processes and best practices in product development. You will manage timelines and work priorities by allocating resources to meet the assigned timelines and goals.
Integrate the latest food technologies in products for the market. You will lead new ingredient research and technological advancements. You will stay informed about market trends and emerging ingredients to guide the development of innovative products. This may include clean or transparent labelling, green, functional, or alternative ingredients. You will ensure all new and existing products meet regulatory requirements, quality standards, and customer specifications.
Partner with customers to deliver successful product solutions. You will collaborate with sales and customer‑facing teams to support customer discussions, technical reviews, and product presentations. You will translate customer needs and feedback into product development opportunities and guide the team in delivering solutions that meet both customer expectations and manufacturing capabilities. You will support product trials, evaluations, and commercialization efforts with key customers while maintaining alignment with quality, regulatory, and operational standards.
What you bring to the role
The experience. You have a background in Food Science and experience in the food processing industry, specifically in product design and development. Or, you have worked in a similarly complex, high‑speed industrial product development environment. You have led cross‑functional teams, creating and implementing product development strategies and overseeing the execution of multiple complex deliverables simultaneously. You come with resilient, scalable processes and best practices to introduce efficiency and reduce waste (time, energy, resources, money). You are comfortable participating in trials and working in a high‑speed manufacturing facility.
The technical knowledge. You have a high‑level understanding of product formulation and ingredient functionality. You have the business and industry knowledge to guide a product team as they evaluate ingredient effectiveness (flavour, colour, consistency, stability, etc.), availability, and costs to fit budgets, timelines, and demand. You have an understanding of the product innovation and renovation process from concept through commercialization. You recognize how product formulations are processed in ERP systems (i.e. D365 or SAP) to contribute to driving material demands and production planning and the importance of data integrity.
The people leadership. You can build and nurture trusting relationships, fostering a collaborative, continuous learning and innovation culture. You are passionate about developing and supporting the individuals on your team and can teach new skills from the basic to the complex. You can navigate conflict, remove barriers, and prioritize communication. You lead by example and can influence with and without authority. You have proven success in change management, implementing new processes and creating engagement.
The interpersonal skills. You have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including creating documentation, generating reports, and making presentations. You are a strong collaborator who is able to work cross‑functionally with internal and external stakeholders. You genuinely appreciate diverse experiences and backgrounds and are interested in understanding others, hearing their perspectives, and addressing their concerns.
The customer‑facing capability. You are comfortable engaging directly with customers and commercial partners to understand product needs, technical requirements, and feedback. You can translate customer insights into actionable product development strategies and communicate complex technical information in a clear, accessible way. You have experience supporting customer presentations, product demonstrations, or technical discussions, and can confidently represent the product development team while aligning customer expectations with manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, and business objectives.
Why join?
We've got great taste. We care deeply about fostering a culture of transparency, responsibility, and integrity. It's what drives us to make great‑tasting, convenient, and healthy ingredients and finished products that our customers depend on. With a focus on nurturing and growing our employees' careers and professional satisfaction, we believe in open communication, idea sharing, and knowledge building. Skjodt‑Barrett is committed to building an inclusive culture that helps to create longevity, growth, and innovation in the food industry.
We are working towards a sustainable future. We believe that what's good for people and the planet is good for profit. It is everyone's responsibility to do their part. We recognize the growing need to prioritize sustainability in manufacturing, and we continue to take steps to evolve. We strive to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging and food products to be a responsible partner for our customers and for the greater good. We take our role as a supply chain partner to heart and adhere to a strict Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that our vendors uphold the integrity and values we live by.
We believe actions speak louder than words. Every day, we come together to exceed the expectations of our customers, each other and ourselves, inspired by our values:
We care. About family, honesty, and respect.
We communicate. Across every level, often, effectively, and clearly.
We Empower. With trust, integrity, and accountability.
We Deliver. Every time, through teamwork, innovation, and results.
We support and care for our employees and their families.
The expected base pay range for this role is $140K -$160K.
Final compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Apply now
At Skjodt‑Barrett, we aim for diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion in all of our operations and interactions. We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for and want to play an integral role in delivering innovative food product solutions, apply to express your interest.
What you can expect from our interview process
A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and the company. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI‑powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
An in‑person with the current Director of Research and Development to discuss your experience as a people, process, and product development leader.
An onsite final interview with the Chief Financial Officer to discuss how your role aligns with the needs of the team and the opportunity to ask questions.
Skjodt‑Barrett welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Please let us know what accommodations you require across the selection process.
Please note that we use recruitment technology that may incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) as part of our hiring process. All hiring decisions are made by our team.AI
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A leading food solutions manufacturer in Brampton, Ontario seeks a Director of Research & Development for a 12-month contract. This role requires significant experience in food science and the ability to lead and develop a team of 15. The candidate will be responsible for driving product innovation and integrating new food technologies, while also managing cross-functional communications. With a hybrid work model, this opportunity offers the chance to make a lasting impact in a dynamic environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Unleash your leadership skills as the Director of Research focused on groundbreaking food solutions. This hybrid role centers on strategic product innovation and team development. As a key player in a thriving environment, you will oversee a talented team while driving strategic initiatives in product development. This contract position emphasizes your food science knowledge and people management expertise, critical for steering innovative projects and collaborations. Key Responsibilities: • Drive innovation strategy aligned with market demands • Lead and enhance processes for product development • Manage and mentor the R&D team towards success • Integrate innovative food technologies into product lines • Collaborate with clients to deliver exceptional solutions Requirements: • Extensive experience in food science and product development • Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams • Strong understanding of product innovation processes • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills • Experience in engaging with customers for product feedback Lead a passionate team in shaping the future of food product development through strategic direction and innovation. #J-18808-Ljbffr
A leading manufacturer of food solutions in Brampton seeks an experienced Plant Controller. This role involves overseeing all financial operations, supporting budget planning, and providing insights to the leadership team. Candidates should possess extensive management accounting skills, preferably with CPA or CMA certification, and have experience in a manufacturing environment. The position is hybrid, requiring three days onsite, and offers a competitive salary between $118,000 and $124,000. #J-18808-Ljbffr
A leading food solutions manufacturer in Brampton, Ontario seeks a Director of Research & Development for a 12-month contract. This role requires significant experience in food science and the ability to lead and develop a team of 15. The candidate will be responsible for driving product innovation and integrating new food technologies, while also managing cross-functional communications. With a hybrid work model, this opportunity offers the chance to make a lasting impact in a dynamic environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Unleash your leadership skills as the Director of Research focused on groundbreaking food solutions. This hybrid role centers on strategic product innovation and team development.
As a key player in a thriving environment, you will oversee a talented team while driving strategic initiatives in product development. This contract position emphasizes your food science knowledge and people management expertise, critical for steering innovative projects and collaborations.
Key Responsibilities:
• Drive innovation strategy aligned with market demands
• Lead and enhance processes for product development
• Manage and mentor the R&D team towards success
• Integrate innovative food technologies into product lines
• Collaborate with clients to deliver exceptional solutions
Requirements:
• Extensive experience in food science and product development
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of product innovation processes
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in engaging with customers for product feedback
Lead a passionate team in shaping the future of food product development through strategic direction and innovation.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Who we are
Skjodt-Barrett is a world-class manufacturer of food solutions and custom ingredients for North America's most beloved and trusted brands. We take pride in working closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and create innovative, individualized solutions that deliver joy to their customers.
A family-founded company started over 40 years ago, we are backed by the investment company Axel Johnson Inc (AJI). With their investment and support, we are well-positioned to foster growth and explore new opportunities.
Our customers, blue-chip international brands and mid-sized producers alike, are why we exist. Our teams of innovators, communicators, and managers are the people who meet their needs, build trust, and exceed their expectations.
Who we need
Reporting to the Director, Finance Operations, we are hiring a Plant Controller to join our Plant Leadership Team and act as the financial leader for the site. This is a highly visible, business-facing role where you will influence operational and strategic decisions by providing financial insights, guidance, and challenging the leadership team.
As the new Plant Controller and the primary finance partner to Operations, Warehouse, Quality, Safety, and Maintenance, you will oversee all financial planning, reporting, forecasting, costing, and performance analysis for the site. You will work closely with plant leaders to support budgeting, cost control, labour planning, and operational decision‑making while maintaining strong financial discipline and internal controls. You will manage the site budget and forecasts, lead financial reporting and analysis, and ensure clear visibility into financial performance across the plant.
This is an existing full-time hybrid role requiring three days per week onsite at our manufacturing facility in Brampton, ON.
What’s in it for you
Influence and impact. You will play a critical role in shaping financial and operational decisions across the plant. As the financial voice within the leadership team, you will provide insight, challenge assumptions, and guide decisions that improve profitability, operational efficiency, and cost management. Your expertise will help strengthen financial discipline while supporting the plant’s long‑term growth.
Exposure. As a key member of the Plant Leadership Team, you will contribute directly to strategic discussions and operational priorities. You will present monthly financial results to the COO and CFO, identifying opportunities to improve performance across sites and supporting key business initiatives.
A culture of empowerment. We empower our leaders to take ownership, drive meaningful change, and implement best practices. With the autonomy to influence financial processes and decision‑making, you will have the opportunity to strengthen our operations and contribute to the long‑term success of the business.
How you will make an impact
Support operations.
As a key financial partner to the Operations, Warehouse, Quality, Safety, and Maintenance teams, you will provide data‑driven insights that align financial strategy with operational priorities. Through financial modeling, forecasting, and budget planning, you will support informed decision‑making, improve operational efficiency, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
Own site financial performance.
You will oversee all site financials, partnering closely with the Plant Leadership Team to monitor performance and improve profitability. You will lead the annual budgeting process, manage the site P&L, and support capital planning to ensure resources are allocated effectively. You will work closely with site leadership on spending controls, labour planning, and operational decision‑making, helping guide both day‑to‑day activities and longer‑term site strategy. You will also analyze manufacturing costs, investigate variances, and identify opportunities for continuous financial improvement.
Deliver financial visibility and insight.
You will lead key month‑end close activities including account analysis, journal entries, financial reporting, and balance sheet reconciliations. By developing daily KPIs, weekly dashboards, and monthly forecasts, you will provide visibility into financial performance and support timely operational decision‑making.
Ensure financial discipline and compliance.
You will ensure adherence to financial compliance standards, support annual audit requirements, and maintain strong internal controls. You will participate in inventory counts and spare parts audits, support maintenance cycle counts, and ensure alignment with internal controls, SOX policies, and financial governance standards.
Support the finance team.
You will work closely with Controllers and Analysts across the operations finance team to ensure consistency in financial reporting, forecasting, and operational insights across sites. You will contribute to strengthening financial processes and sharing best practices that support plant performance.
What you bring
The financial expertise.
You have a strong management accounting background with experience in finance or a related field, including supervisory responsibility. You are skilled at analyzing financial data and translating insights into operational decisions. Experience in a manufacturing or product‑driven environment is highly preferred. You are proficient in MS Excel, and familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI is considered an asset. A CPA or CMA designation, or progress toward one, is strongly preferred.
The analytical and problem‑solving mindset.
You are comfortable working with complex financial data and identifying trends, risks, and opportunities that support operational performance. You bring strong problem‑solving skills, a proactive approach, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
The initiative and ownership.
You take ownership of challenges and proactively identify opportunities for process improvement, financial optimization, and risk mitigation. You are comfortable working in an evolving environment and can make informed recommendations that support business decisions.
The strategic business expertise.
You are confident in contributing to leadership discussions and challenging assumptions when appropriate. You understand the operational impact of financial decisions and can bridge the gap between finance and operations. You communicate financial performance clearly and translate data into practical insights that support revenue, margin, and cost management.
The communication and collaboration skills.
You bring strong interpersonal and communication skills and can effectively present financial information to a variety of stakeholders. You build collaborative relationships across teams and are comfortable influencing decisions without direct authority.
The flexibility and operational presence.
You are comfortable working in a hybrid environment and recognize the importance of being present on‑site when needed to support plant operations and leadership teams.
Why join?
We've got great taste. We care deeply about fostering a culture of transparency, responsibility, and integrity. It's what drives us to make great‑tasting, convenient, and healthy ingredients and finished products that our customers depend on. With a focus on nurturing and growing our employees' careers and professional satisfaction, we believe in open communication, idea sharing, and knowledge building. Skjodt-Barrett is committed to building an inclusive culture that helps to create longevity, growth, and innovation in the food industry.
We are working towards a sustainable future.
We believe that what's good for people and the planet is good for profit. It is everyone's responsibility to do their part. We recognize the growing need to prioritize sustainability in manufacturing, and we continue to take steps to evolve. We strive to accelerate the adoption of sustainable packaging and food products to be a responsible partner for our customers and for the greater good. We take our role as a supply chain partner to heart and adhere to a strict Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that our vendors uphold the integrity and values we live by.
We believe actions speak louder than words.
We care. About family, honesty, and respect.
We communicate. Across every level, often, effectively, and clearly.
We Empower. With trust, integrity, and accountability.
We Deliver. Every time, through teamwork, innovation, and results.
We support and care for our employees and their families.
The expected base pay range for this role is $118,000 to $124,000.
Final compensation will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Apply now
At Skjodt-Barrett, we aim for diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion in all of our operations and interactions. We welcome and appreciate candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. If you have 70% of the qualifications we are looking for and want to play an integral role in delivering innovative food product solutions, apply to express your interest.
What you can expect from our hiring process
A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor discussing your interest in the role and your experience. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI‑powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
A virtual interview with the Director of Finance Operations and a Senior HR Business Partner. This discussion will focus on your experience and provide an opportunity to learn more about the role, the team, and the organization.
An in‑person interview and plant tour with the Plant Manager and members of the plant leadership team. This is an opportunity to see the operation firsthand, gain insight into the plant environment, and discuss how the finance function partners with operations.
An in‑person interview with the CFO and the Director of Finance Operations. This conversation will focus on the strategic aspects of the role and how the successful candidate will support plant operations and broader business objectives.
Skjodt-Barrett welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Please let us know what accommodations you require across the selection process.
#LI-Hybrid
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Become a financial partner in a prominent manufacturing environment as a Plant Controller. This hybrid role allows you to play a crucial part in operational and strategic financial decisions while overseeing budget and forecasting activities.
In this essential role, you will report to the Director of Finance Operations and serve as the key finance liaison for various operational teams. Your responsibilities will include financial insight delivery, budgeting support, and the analysis of financial performance while implementing robust internal controls.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage financial reporting and analytics for operations
• Support annual budgeting and cost control initiatives
• Drive financial visibility with accurate forecasting
• Collaborate on compliance with financial standards
• Enhance financial processes with operational teams
Requirements:
• 5+ years of management accounting experience
• Advanced analytical capabilities in finance
• CPA or CMA credentials strongly preferred
• Comfortable in a hybrid work setting
• Strong leadership and communication skills
Influence key decisions in finance that drive operational success and long-term growth across the plant.
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