Maple Leaf Foods Inc

Operations Leader

Maple Leaf Foods Inc • $90K — $110K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Post-secondary education in food science, business, engineering, or operations management.
  • Minimum of 5 years of production experience in the food processing industry.
  • At least 5 years of progressive management experience in a unionized environment.
  • Proven leadership and decision-making skills, with a focus on operational excellence.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills for team collaboration and customer engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to use analytical tools for informed decision-making.
  • Customer-focused approach with a commitment to quality service.

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational and strategic decision-making to support the Site Leader.
  • Develop and promote a strong health and safety culture, owning KPI performance.
  • Accountable for managing production costs, labor efficiency, and operational results.
  • Prepare and manage operational budgets and cost targets.
  • Drive initiatives like Six Sigma to enhance operational excellence and reduce waste.
  • Oversee implementation of capital improvements within the production area.
  • Ensure production schedules are effectively optimized and executed.

Benefits

  • High-performance, people-focused company culture aimed at sustainability.
  • Inclusive work environment that prioritizes safety and rewards excellence.
  • Flexible health and wellness benefits starting on day one, including mental health programs.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching from day one.
  • Learning and development opportunities to enhance skills and career progression.
  • Tuition reimbursement program for continuous education and professional development.
  • Paid volunteer days to support community involvement.
Full Job Description
The Opportunity:
This position provides leadership for the effective operations of the plant by ensuring the development and implementation of best-in-class manufacturing processes, adherence to good manufacturing practices and supply chain management.Responsible for ensuring superior customer satisfaction while meeting our commitments to human resources, health & safety and food safety standards. Leads by removing barriers and building capability so frontline teams deliver safe, high-quality results.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by October 14. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy:Existing Headcount
Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:
  • Provide operational and strategic decision making to support the Site Leader.
  • Develop and drive a strong health & safety and food safety culture, and own KPI performance for the area.
  • Be accountable for production costs, labour utilization, yields, operating results and cost improvements in the department.
  • Prepare and execute the operational overhead budget and direct product cost targets.
  • Drive operational excellence, including Six Sigma, to reduce operating costs and minimize waste.
  • Review and support the implementation of capital improvements within the area.
  • Meet or exceed customer service level targets by synchronizing processes and activities across all functions, from demand planning through delivery to the customer.
  • Optimize and ensure execution of weekly and monthly production schedules.
  • Support Marketing/Sales and Product Development on new and existing product initiatives and customer inquiries.
  • Ensure adherence to the Company's food safety requirements and Good Manufacturing Practices, including BRCGS certification and audit targets, and support continual improvement of the food safety and quality management system.
  • Maintain compliance with CFIA, provincial labour, environmental and health & safety legislation, Collective Agreements, and other regulatory requirements that impact plant performance.
  • Build trust with employees and union partners through respect, visible presence on the floor, and timely feedback and grievance resolution.
  • Set clear expectations and coach teams to own their performance against key metrics tied to the vision.
  • Develop salaried employees through training, certification and coaching, and provide clear roles and consistent support and feedback to all employees.
  • Build a cohesive, competent leadership group, with plans for development and succession, and create growth opportunities that prepare others to step into larger roles

What You'll Bring:
  • Post-secondary education in one of the following disciplines: food science, business, engineering, or operations management.
  • A minimum of 5 years of production experience in the food processing industry.
  • A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated, progressive management experience in a unionized work environment.
  • Strong leadership, independent thinking, organizational and planning abilities, with excellent analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work as a team with all functional areas toward a common goal.
  • Proven record of leading operational excellence initiatives and delivering bottom-line results.
  • Customer-focused mindset, with a commitment to building a loyal customer base.
  • Leadership style grounded in listening, coaching and empowering others, with the credibility to hold high standards.
  • Demonstrated track record of decision making using analytical tools (e.g., SAP, variance reports, downtime analysis, SWOT analysis, Six Sigma metrics).

What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods:
  • Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company that has an inspiring and unique vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth, and a deep commitment to sustainable protein across North America.
  • An inclusive company culture and a work environment that keeps our people safe, rewards excellence, and empowers everyone to learn and contribute their best.
  • Competitive Health and Wellness benefits that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs, including programs focused on improving mental health and wellbeing. These benefits start on your first day of employment.
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
  • Learning and development opportunities, including workshops, 'speaker series' events, and resources that allow you to develop your skills and progress your career.
  • Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program that supports continuous learning and development of our team members through investment in eligible degrees, diplomas, professional certification, or trades programs.
  • Supporting our deep commitment to community impact, we offer up to two paid days annually to volunteer at a cause of your choice.

About Maple Leaf Foods Inc

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a Canadian consumer packaged meats company. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company employs approximately 12,000 people across Canada and exports to global markets, including the United States and Asia. The company's products include prepared meats, ready-to-cook and ready-to-serve meals, fresh pork, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Maple Leaf Foods has been publicly traded since 1991 and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'MFI'.
Learn more about Maple Leaf Foods Inc
Size
12,000 employees
Industry

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