Research Development Manager

At TechoBloc innovation is in our DNA. Were not just creating landscaping productswere redefining whats possible in the industry. Our Research & Development department is the driving force behind the tools technologies and materials that set us apart. Now were looking for an R&D Manager to join this powerhouse team and shape the future of hardscape manufacturing.

Youll be leading our engineering initiatives working handinhand with our automation team and collaborating with professionals across 9 stateoftheart manufacturing plants in North America. From brainstorming ideas to overseeing installations from lab tests to full production rolloutsyoull be at the heart of every innovation.

This is more than a management roleits a chance to transform ideas into impact and work with one of the industrys boldest brands.

What Youll Be Doing

Your role will be both strategic and handson. Depending on project timelines and seasonal priorities this role can shift between being fully officebasedfocused on strategy planning and developmentand 100 onsite actively guiding contractors and overseeing installations.

While the position is structured as a fulltime Monday to Friday role flexibility is key. The ideal candidate is willing to adapt to nonstandard hours when needed including evenings and weekends especially during critical installations or urgent production issues.

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead R&D engineering operations and oversee a team of specialists supporting all 9 manufacturing facilities across Canada and the U.S.
• Drive the maintenance optimization and modernization of existing equipment throughout all plants
• Build strong collaborative relationships with maintenance production and plant managers to stay aligned with evolving project needs
• Develop and implement a strategic roadmap to prioritize and sequence projects effectively
• Guide your team in defining technical requirements identifying challenges and engineering smart solutions
• Oversee the planning budgeting and scheduling of projects ensuring timelines and milestones are clearly established and met
• Manage multiple highimpact R&D initiatives from concept to completion
• Partner with the automation department to design develop and integrate custom machinery and systems across sites
• Lead the of factory upgrades and equipment installations ensuring seamless deployment
• Provide support during production disruptions coordinating rapid response and technical troubleshooting
• Maintain a strong balance between strategic planning and handson moving fluidly between office work and onsite leadership

Concrete Mix Design & Testing

• Develop new batching procedures and mix formulations
• Test innovative products using various fillers admixtures and pigments
• Lead lab and infield testing of prototypes and product variants
• Experiment with coatings for both wetcast and drycast processes
• Drive quality assurance across all mix design experimentation

Equipment & Innovation Scaling

• Work with engineers to design inhouse machinery and automated systems
• Build and test smallscale prototypes using custom test benches
• Source and assess OEM equipment for larger R&D initiatives
• Develop operational procedures and training materials for production teams
• Manage supplier relationships procurement processes and contractor oversight

CrossFunctional Collaboration

• Partner with operations maintenance and production teams to align on goals
• Build strong internal relationships to ensure smooth project
• Keep the Manufacturing Director and other leaders informed and aligned
• Act as a technical mentor and coach for the R&D and automation teams

Research & Industry Exploration

• Stay ahead of trends in concrete technology automation and industrial design
• Explore global innovationsespecially from leading European competitors
• Identify and engage new material suppliers to support product development
• Research and propose new product concepts to maintain market leadership

Qualifications :

Youre a creative thinker and a practical problemsolver. You love working in dynamic environments and youre just as comfortable in a lab coat as you are on the production floor. You thrive when juggling multiple priorities and enjoy leading crossfunctional teams toward big goals.

Your Experience

• 5 years in an R&D engineering or hybrid corporate/manufacturing role
• 8 years of experience in people management and crossfunctional leadership
• D.E.C. or Bachelors degree in Engineering Architecture Design or Sciences
• Proven experience managing automation or engineering projects (an asset)
• Strong knowledge of budgeting performance evaluation and process planning

Your Skills

• Bilingual: French and English (English required for U.S. operations)
• Excellent leadership communication and coaching abilities
• Highly organized with exceptional time management skills
• Confident making complex decisions in fastpaced environments
• Comfortable with Office tools Excel and ERP software (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics AX)
• Physically fit for handson demanding work when required
• Detailoriented proactive and naturally curious

Experience in the concrete industry is a plusbut not a requirement. Well provide handson training and support from our team of experts.

A Day in the Life: R&D Manager

No two days look the sameevery one is a mix of challenges quick pivots and exciting progress. Heres a glimpse into what a Monday might look like:

Morning: The day starts with a quick team meeting to align on mechanical designs and set weekly objectives. From there its a walk over to the automation floor to catch up with the manager about software updates for a production line in Pennsylvania. Next its a stop at the transformation factory to check in with operators on the new grinding/polishing machine installed a few weeks ago. They share some feedbackyou jot down notes for future improvements. Before lunch youre on the production plant floor with a control specialist checking if a larger control panel can fit in the electrical room. Its all about making sure those extra motor inverters will integrate smoothly.

Lunch break with the team: A quick breather a bite to eat and a moment to gear up for a packed afternoon

Afternoon: Postlunch the focus shifts to supplier calls to lock in specs for the control paneljoined by the automation and control teams for a deepdive discussion. Plans change midafternoon when you decide to postpone compression testing on a new product to stay focused on finalizing the electrical panel. You quickly align with the QC team and shift priorities. Then comes a curveball: an electrical issue hits the production line. You send in your automation specialist and reorganize the weeks plan to minimize delaysupdating the Manufacturing Director along the way. Before wrapping up you grab a coffee and spend a few moments researching competitors innovations in Europe.

The day ends with a quick review of your plan for the week aheadfastpaced everchanging but always rewarding

Additional Information :

Why Join TechoBloc

Because we dont settle. We foster a culture where every idea matters every project is an opportunity to improve and every teammate contributes to a shared vision of excellence.

Our people are artisans engineers thinkers and doersand we empower them to thrive. Weve built a brand rooted in beauty quality and innovation. Now were growing fast and we want people who are excited to shape whats next.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only successful applicants will be contacted.

The use of the masculine gender has been adopted for ease of reading and is not intended to be discriminatory. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime