R&D Manager

Company Description

At Techo-Bloc, we’re entrepreneurial innovators who take pride in rolling up our sleeves and making things happen. With 9 cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, 13+ distribution centers, and over 900 employees across 20+ North American locations, we’re driven by bold growth, creativity, and a commitment to excellence—all within a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Job Description

At Techo-Bloc, innovation is in our DNA. We're not just creating landscaping products—we're redefining what's possible in the industry. Our Research & Development department is the driving force behind the tools, technologies, and materials that set us apart. Now, we're looking for an R&D Manager to join this powerhouse team and shape the future of hardscape manufacturing.

You’ll be leading our engineering initiatives, working hand-in-hand with our automation team, and collaborating with professionals across 9 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in North America. From brainstorming ideas to overseeing installations, from lab tests to full production rollouts—you'll be at the heart of every innovation.

This is more than a management role—it's a chance to transform ideas into impact and work with one of the industry’s boldest brands.

What You’ll Be Doing

Your role will be both strategic and hands-on. Depending on project timelines and seasonal priorities, this role can shift between being fully office-based—focused on strategy, planning, and development—and 100% on-site, actively guiding contractors and overseeing installations.

While the position is structured as a full-time, Monday to Friday role, flexibility is key. The ideal candidate is willing to adapt to non-standard 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, high-impact 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 execution 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 hands-on execution, moving fluidly between office work and on-site leadership

Concrete Mix Design & Testing

• Develop new batching procedures and mix formulations
• Test innovative products using various fillers, admixtures, and pigments
• Lead lab and in-field testing of prototypes and product variants
• Experiment with coatings for both wet-cast and dry-cast processes
• Drive quality assurance across all mix design experimentation

Equipment & Innovation Scaling

• Work with engineers to design in-house machinery and automated systems
• Build and test small-scale 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, maintenance, and production teams to align on goals
• Build strong internal relationships to ensure smooth project execution
• 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 innovations—especially 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

You're a creative thinker and a practical problem-solver. You love working in dynamic environments, and you’re just as comfortable in a lab coat as you are on the production floor. You thrive when juggling multiple priorities and enjoy leading cross-functional 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 cross-functional leadership
• D.E.C. or Bachelor's 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 fast-paced environments
• Comfortable with Office tools, Excel, and ERP software (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics AX)
• Physically fit for hands-on, demanding work when required
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and naturally curious

Experience in the concrete industry is a plus—but not a requirement. We’ll provide hands-on training and support from our team of experts.

A Day in the Life: R&D Manager

No two days look the same—every one is a mix of challenges, quick pivots, and exciting progress. Here's 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, it’s a walk over to the automation floor to catch up with the manager about software updates for a production line in Pennsylvania. Next, it’s 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 feedback—you jot down notes for future improvements. Before lunch, you’re on the production plant floor with a control specialist, checking if a larger control panel can fit in the electrical room. It’s 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: Post-lunch, the focus shifts to supplier calls to lock in specs for the control panel—joined by the automation and control teams for a deep-dive discussion. Plans change mid-afternoon 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 week’s plan to minimize delays—updating 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 ahead—fast-paced, ever-changing, but always rewarding

Additional Information

Why work for us?

Career Growth and Recognition: At Techo-Bloc, we're career builders. Explore advancement opportunities through our well-defined career paths by department. Your success is our shared responsibility, supported by a culture that values your unique contributions.

Performance-Driven Rewards: Experience the direct impact of your efforts with competitive performance-based bonuses. Join a passionate, driven team that collaborates seamlessly to achieve remarkable results.

Financial Stability: We’ve experienced consistent growth, reflecting our strong financial health and continued geographical expansion across North America.

Collaborative Company Culture: Ditch the silos and join us in driving innovation and excellence together. We support and care about each other’s success! Experience a vibrant culture with 5-star ratings from most of our employees. Leave egos at the door as we engage in activities like brainstorming sessions, lively BBQs, and festive parties, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

Perks and Benefits:

• Group insurance & RRSP with employer contribution
• 24/7 telemedicine & Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Inhouse leadership development and coaching
• Training & Development Programs
• Considerable referral bonuses
• Discounts on Techo-Bloc’s products
• Healthy snack-filled kitchens
• Techo-Bloc branded swag
• Free parking
• Employee Recognition Events
• English and French courses available as needed