Product Developer (Pastry Chef)
fgf brands
- Toronto, ON
- Permanent
- Full-time
- FGF believes in Home Grown Talent, accelerated career growth with leadership training. Unleashing Your Potential
- Competitive Compensation, Health Benefits, & a generous flexible medical / Health spending account
- RRSP matching program
- Tuition reimbursement & company annual bonus
- Discount program that covers almost everything under the sun - Restaurants, gyms, shopping etc.
- Conduct product trials, run development samples, and create initial product specifications (including product characteristics, costs, measurements, ingredients, processing parameters, case pack, and distribution).
- Manage the efficient processing of sample requests and manufacturing of sample boards for designated customers.
- Work with team members to produce sample items according to specifications, including mixing, baking, finishing, packaging, and shipping.
- Ensure recipes and specifications are followed by the Production team; train bakery staff on product standards, verify quality, and troubleshoot issues as needed.
- Provide technical guidance to production and packing teams, particularly for process improvements and maintaining consistent product quality.
- Conduct ad hoc checks of production and packing lines to ensure high standards of quality, consistency, and food safety are maintained.
- Participate in product sensory evaluations (taste, texture, appearance, freshness) using internal and external panels.
- Ensure regulatory compliance for all products (labels, ingredients, allergen declarations, supplier documentation, etc.).
- Collaborate with customers on product development inquiries and work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product quality, efficiency, and innovation.
- Other related duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or a Culinary Diploma/Certification (Baking/Pastry Arts preferred).
- 3+ years of experience in professional baking, pastry, or food manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience in patisserie and sweet baked goods production.
- Passion for baking within a manufacturing or R&D environment.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working with industrial bakery equipment.
- Proven ability to solve problems, analyze data, and implement practical solutions.
- Strong mathematical and formulation skills.
- Interest and ability to train, coach, and support production teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Flexibility to work early mornings or alternative schedules as required.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.