Development assistant Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Job Description

Be part of what makes us different.

You’ll serve as a professional and collaborative representative of Farm Boy, building and strengthening vendor partnerships that support new and future product development. By pairing a strong customer-focused mindset with market insight and relationship-building skills, you’ll help bring innovative ideas to life while supporting meaningful, long-term partnerships. Here are some of the other ways you’ll help us stand out:

• Act as a driving force for innovation within the Product Development team, taking a leading role in the discovery and development of new Private Label products, programs, and ideas
• Foster, enhance, and sustain high-value, supplier partnerships. Identify innovation opportunities through supplier capabilities.
• Partner with Product Development leadership to prioritize and manage multiple initiatives, ensuring work is organized, timely, and aligned with broader department goals.
• Develop Private Label product acquisition strategies, lead complex negotiations, and execute supplier contracts that meet business objectives.
• Provide insights on market and emerging industry trends to inform decision-making and support the team’s overall strategy.
• Identify opportunities that contribute towards the creative development of new Private Label products, programs and events.
• Support special projects and initiatives as directed by Product Development leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all corporate policies and applicable regulations, including Health & Safety, Food Safety, and HACCP standards.
• Contribute to overall team success by taking on additional related responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

What you bring to the table.

We provide the opportunity, and you bring the potential.

• A genuine passion for great-tasting food and a genuine interest in creating exceptional customer shopping experiences.
• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Retail experience with a solid understanding of business practices.
• In-depth knowledge of the grocery marketplace and/or food manufacturing.
• Strong awareness of market trends and emerging innovations, with an interest in food culture and culinary experiences.
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, supported by strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Proven negotiation skills, with the ability to balance business needs while building and maintaining strong relationships.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Thrive in a fast-paced setting that that involves extended periods of sitting, repetitive movement or tasks, frequent computer use that may cause eye strain, and working amid open-office noise and interruptions.
• Fluency in English; French language skills considered an asset.

What we bring to the table.

At Farm Boy, we believe in supporting our Team Members throughout their careers. Whether, it’s at our Home Office or our stores, we’re proud to stand out in the market as a workplace that offers:

• Comprehensive benefit program and coverage that varies by position.
• Coverage may include healthcare, dental care, disability coverage, life insurance and registered retirement savings program.
• A 10% discount on in-store purchases.
• On-the-job training and the prioritization of internal promotions to help you grow and embrace new opportunities.
• The opportunity to support local neighbourhoods through our community programs.

Additional Information

Grow a Career with us...

Farm Boy takes pride in growing a team that represents the best in the business. Join us for the career you’re craving!

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply—including those with non-traditional career paths.

We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available upon request for employees and applicants who may require them.

We do not use AI to assist in the recruitment process and this job posting is for an existing vacancy.