Director, Product Development & Technical Services

Application Deadline: Friday, August 14

What We Offer:
Irving Consumer Products is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:
•    Flexible medical, dental, and vision plan
•    Employee & family assistance program
•    RRSP matching program
•    Health & Wellness reimbursements
•    Product purchase program
•    Opportunities to take part in job-related training and development
•    Relocation cost (if applicable)

Please note: this role requires 25% travel

• Lead the organization's product development, revitalization, and technical design strategy from concept through commercialization. 

• Drive innovation by developing new products and product enhancements that strengthen competitive advantage and meet customer needs. 

• Oversee product trials, stage-gate processes, product specifications, and technical governance to ensure successful project execution. 

• Leads technical collaboration with suppliers, development partners, and manufacturing sites, providing expertise and support across the business. 

• Identify new product opportunities through market research, industry trends, and customer insights. 

• Manage technical risks related to intellectual property, confidentiality, regulatory requirements, and external partnerships. 

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Innovation teams to deliver business objectives. 

• Frames technical options, trade-offs, risks, resource needs, and recommendations for executive decision-making.

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing technical team, while supporting succession planning and technical knowledge management. 

• Establish and maintain the Corporate Technical Services operating rhythm, including prioritization, portfolio management, issue escalation, and cross-site alignment.

• 10-12+ years of relevant working experience

• University degree in Engineering, Technology related field, or equivalent experience;

• Experience with Converting, Through‑Air‑Dry (TAD) and Conventional tissue production or similar advanced processes

• Research & Development, Product Development, Quality experience;

• Results-driven leader with a proven ability to drive business outcomes and lead complex initiatives in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated success in prioritizing competing demands, managing multiple initiatives, and delivering against business objectives.
• Proven people leader with experience developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees.  At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

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.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.