Global Manager-Emerging Technology and Pilot Testing

Champion Petfoods is expanding! We are excited to announce we are looking for a Global Manager, Emerging Technologies & Pilot Testing to join our rapidly growing company.

Champion Petfoods is an award-winning pet food maker with a reputation of trust spanning 35+ years. Founded in a small town in Alberta, Canada, Champion – with its ORIJEN® and ACANA® brands – is a key player in the global premium pet food industry across three major geographic regions.

We would love to hear from you if you are passionate about personal and professional growth and see yourself as a key player contributing to our continued success as an award-winning company.

Here's the Scoop - Summary

Global Manager, Emerging Technologies & Pilot Testing works with the Global Director, Technical Innovation and Development, and other leaders to ensure the goals of the department are met.  

This position will manage emerging technologies and food science initiatives while driving the effective use of Champion Petfoods’ pilot facility in Acheson, Alberta to support innovation and product development projects.  This position involves oversight and hands-on work in several areas of innovation for Champion Petfoods (CPF) Kitchens and the greater MARS Pet Nutrition Team.  

The Global Manager, Emerging Technologies and Testing will employ user research expertise and execution across technologies and products in a cross-functional environment, including conducting research using qualitative and quantitative methods to generate actionable insights and deliverables in the pet food industry.  

This position acts as the key liaison between the Research and Innovation, Operations, and Marketing teams within our pilot kitchen. Problem-solving, continuous improvement, and bringing new breakthrough ideas to the development team are key practices of this role. This role is based in our North Star Kitchens in Acheson, Alberta.  

This role is responsible for the management of the emerging technology and pilot facility innovation team members and will direct their work schedule and projects as well as provide Performance Reviews and contribute to their continued development.

What a typical day looks like:

Pilot Facility

• Oversee research and development operations of pilot facility including scheduling, test run specifications and equipment readiness.
• Manage small-batch production runs for new product concepts, line extensions, or process validation.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to ensure effective use and optimal functioning of the pilot facility.

Emerging Technology

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to pet nutrition, processing, and sustainability.
• Conduct competitive and market intelligence to scout for technology trends, startups, and innovations in the pet food sector and other food industries.
• Work with Global Director to build partnerships with MARS Pet Nutrition, external research institutions, and tech vendors to accelerate breakthrough innovation.
• Develop business cases and feasibility reports for integrating new technologies into product development or manufacturing.

Design Thinking

• Develop, test, and iterate prototypes in collaboration with Technical and Marketing Innovation teams.
• Lead cross-functional innovation workshops using Design Thinking methodologies to identify and solve consumer and technical challenges.
• Work with consumer insights group to translate consumer insights and unmet needs into early-stage product concepts and prototypes.
• Facilitate rapid ideation, concept development, and MVP creation tailored to pet food innovation.
• Analyze sensory data to refine formulations and optimize product attributes such as texture, aroma, and appearance.
• Provide updates/reports to the Global Director, Technical Innovation and Development, and the larger corporate team on the status of all investigations
• Accurate and efficient planning and management of resources to meet schedules and coordinate departmental functions.

Breakthrough Innovation

• Aid in the development of ideas for new ingredients and products that are in alignment with the Company’s strategy and food philosophy.
• Manage ingredient development test runs and prototyping.
• Substantiate and translate breakthrough ideas and research into potential product concepts
• Conduct technical assessments of novel ingredients to ensure they meet production, scalability, and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with the QA team to manage risks and identify opportunities related to new ingredients and technologies, including mitigation strategies, kill step validation, and shelf life assessment.

General

• Demonstration of a high level of understanding of the pet food industry, including attending forums or seminars related to the development of new trends or technologies within the pet food realm and reporting back to R&I team regarding findings.
• Demonstration of knowledge of the Company’s policies and practices regarding health, safety and the environment, including commitment to personal compliance with same.
• Perform other tasks as required or assigned.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of Masters of Science Degree in related field (Food Science, Animal Science, Biology, etc.), PhD is considered an asset
• 5+ years of previous experience in a technical innovation setting; meat handling and processing experience is an asset.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience, delegating tasks to staff in order to meet project timelines.
• Knowledge of processing processes, including extrusion, freeze-dry, retort, sous vide, etc. in the pet food industry.  Hands-on experience preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing design thinking processes.
• Experience in interacting with other individuals in the food and/or pet food industries, demonstrating diplomacy and professionalism at all times.
• Detail-oriented, with a good ability to review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to multi-task and set priorities.
• Uses discretion and judgment in handling confidential, proprietary or sensitive information.
• Able to work effectively independently or within a group.
• Passion to learn, develop, and implement new technologies and methods.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office programs.

Working Conditions

• Work encompasses both an office and a pet food production environment.
• Intermittent physical activity includes walking, standing and sitting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds using correct and safe lifting technique.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Ability to attend and/or conduct presentations/meetings.
• PPE may be required for some locations where this position is regularly required to work.
• Must be able to physically inspect company property and assets.
• Ability to travel internationally on an as needed basis
• Some extended hours of work may be required.

What can you expect from Champion?

• Safety: a strong commitment to ensure all people are provided with a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
• Earnings: Competitive Wages that give financial peace of mind, RRSP with Company, and donation matching.
• Industry Competitive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Employee Assistance Programs to meet your individual or family needs.
• Continuing Education: In House & Online Learning & Development, as well as an Education Assistance Program.
• Quality: a dedication to uphold the highest standards of authenticity, nutritional integrity, and food safety, to earn the trust of Pet Lovers everywhere.
• Other Perks: Free Bag of Premium Pet Food each month, Free Parking and more!

What are you waiting for? Join the pack!

Come as you are.

We value diversity in all forms and know the power it can bring. Workplace equality allows for creative ideas to bloom, diverse points of views to be heard, and increases overall happiness. That sounds pretty good to us.

Champion is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other creed, you are wanted here.

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