Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Cassandra Rodriguez

Burlington

Summary

Innovative and results-driven Director of R&D with progressive experience in the food industry. Skilled in utilizing market trends and consumer insights to create award-winning products that spur growth and establish market leadership. Recognized for developing high-performance teams, improving product efficiency, and leading sustainability initiatives. Proficient in promoting cross-functional collaboration, implementing continuous improvement practices, and aligning R&D strategies with business objectives.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of R&D and Innovation

Bimbo Canada
07.2020 - Current
  • Lead the R&D function for Bimbo Canada, overseeing bread categories and sensory/consumer testing
  • Delivered 150+ successful product launches, including several Best New Product Award winners for various years.
  • Pioneered ingredient innovation and optimized formulations for cost efficiency, shelf life, and nutritional value
  • Championed sustainability initiatives, reducing waste and introducing clean-label trends
  • Collaborated with marketing, procurement, and operations to align R&D goals with business objectives
  • Mentored and developed a high-performing R&D team, fostering creativity and professional growth
  • Managed project timelines, budgets, and multiple development pipelines simultaneously

Manager of Product Development

Bimbo Canada
11.2019 - 07.2020
  • Oversaw product design and roadmap and coordinated aspects of development and rollout.
  • Led successful product launches by coordinating with marketing, sales, and support teams to ensure a seamless rollout and positive customer experience.

Senior Project Manager, Consulting & Technical Services

NSF International
06.2017 - 08.2018
  • Managed complex product/process development projects including sensory evaluation, shelf-life studies, and product testing
  • Directed changes to project scope and cost and implemented appropriate change management processes to keep project on track.

Research and Development Consultant

Guelph Food Innovation Center
06.2016 - 06.2017
  • Provided technical expertise and business solutions to leading food and beverage companies
  • Led projects from concept feasibility through various stages of product development


Process Specialist – Technical Lead

Maple Leaf Consumer Foods
07.2013 - 10.2015
  • Coordinated product testing, validation, and launch processes at a state-of-the-art facility
  • Led the commissioning of new production lines and ensured quality consistency


Process Specialist

Maple Leaf Consumer Foods
01.2006 - 06.2013


  • Optimized process efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and implementing improvements in workflows.
  • Managed project timelines effectively, ensuring timely completion of critical process improvements without sacrificing quality or scope.

Education

Master of Food Science -

University of Guelph
01.2004

BSc - Food Engineering

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
01.2000

Skills

  • Project Management
  • R&D and Innovation
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Sustainability & Cost Optimization
  • People management
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making

Accomplishments

  • Best New Products Award: Recognized for multiple bakery innovations.
  • Led Commissioning of New Production Lines: Ensured seamless product transfers.
  • Cost Optimization Initiatives: Delivered over 10M savings through raw material and process improvements.
  • Mentorship & Team Development: Built diverse and inclusive teams, and fostered a culture of continuous growth and innovation.

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Director of R&D and Innovation

Bimbo Canada
07.2020 - Current

Manager of Product Development

Bimbo Canada
11.2019 - 07.2020

Senior Project Manager, Consulting & Technical Services

NSF International
06.2017 - 08.2018

Research and Development Consultant

Guelph Food Innovation Center
06.2016 - 06.2017

Process Specialist – Technical Lead

Maple Leaf Consumer Foods
07.2013 - 10.2015

Process Specialist

Maple Leaf Consumer Foods
01.2006 - 06.2013

BSc - Food Engineering

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education

Master of Food Science -

University of Guelph
Cassandra Rodriguez