About this role
About the Company
Would you like to be a part of a revolution in agriculture in Canada? If so, we would love to hear from you!
At GoodLeaf Farms we are a proud Canadian company at the forefront of innovation, striving to grow food security for communities from coast to coast. We are breaking ground in an industry that is proving itself to be sustainable, not only environmentally but economically and socially as well. We are focused on producing delicious and nutritious, ultra-fresh greens, 365 days a year by leveraging human creativity and technology.
Why work at GoodLeaf Farms?
It is our commitment to provide you with the work environment and tools necessary to be successful in your role. We hope that you will find your work here rewarding, challenging, and meaningful.
- You will have the opportunity to take your career to the next level. GoodLeaf is growing and we want you to grow along with us!
- We have an entrepreneurial and inclusive spirit with the heart of a startup.
- We foster an environment of cooperation and communication.
- We offer competitive compensation and benefits.
Every day at GoodLeaf Farms we get to help solve the challenge of food security for communities across Canada and do it in innovative ways that inspire healthy lifestyles. We think that?s exciting and the best reason of all to join us!
Role Summary
The Research & Development (R&D) Manager is responsible for leading research, innovation, and technical development initiatives at GoodLeaf's Agriculture Centre of Excellence (ACE) in Guelph. Reporting to the Vice President, Horticulture Development, Innovation and Quality Assurance, this role plays a key part in advancing the company's innovation strategy through the development of new technologies, horticultural practices, crop varieties, and production methodologies that improve yield, quality, efficiency, and profitability.
The R&D Manager brings deep expertise in plant science, horticulture, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), combined with a proven ability to design and execute research programs, translate findings into commercial operations, and lead high-performing technical teams. This role serves as a critical bridge between research, production, quality, and commercial teams to support GoodLeaf's growth and industry leadership.
Role Responsibilities (included but not limited to):
Research & Innovation Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of GoodLeaf's R&D and innovation strategy in alignment with company goals and long-term business priorities.
- Design, implement, and manage research programs focused on crop performance, yield optimization, product quality, operational efficiency, and new product development.
- Identify emerging technologies, industry trends, and scientific advancements that create opportunities for competitive advantage.
- Establish research priorities and ensure effective allocation of resources across projects.
Experimental Design & Scientific Excellence
- Develop scientifically rigorous experimental protocols and methodologies.
- Oversee data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to ensure statistically valid conclusions.
- Maintain detailed research records, experimental documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement through evidence-based decision making.
Commercialization & Operational Integration
- Partner closely with Horticulture, Quality, Engineering and Farm Operations teams to translate successful research outcomes into scalable commercial practices.
- Support the development and implementation of improved growing techniques, environmental control strategies, and production systems.
- Evaluate and validate innovative agricultural inputs, technologies, substrates, lighting strategies, irrigation systems, and nutrient management programs.
New Product & Variety Development
- Lead the evaluation and introduction of new crop varieties and product