Maple Leaf Foods Inc

Project Lead - Strategic Execution

Maple Leaf Foods Inc$96K — $141K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects
  • Experience in operational transformation or manufacturing projects
  • Solid understanding of project management tools and methodologies
  • Strong relationship-building and influence skills
  • Exceptional communication abilities across all organizational levels
  • Structured approach to risk management and problem-solving
  • PMP certification preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead delivery of large, cross-functional strategic projects
  • Partner with leadership to define project scope and objectives
  • Develop structured project plans with clear milestones and roles
  • Establish governance structures for project lifecycle adherence
  • Facilitate collaboration and alignment across functions
  • Identify risks and create mitigation plans
  • Manage project financials and budgets

Benefits

  • High-performance, people-focused company culture
  • Inclusive workplace with a commitment to safety and excellence
  • Competitive health and wellness benefits starting on day one
  • Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching
  • Learning and development opportunities, including workshops and speaker events
  • Comprehensive tuition reimbursement for eligible educational programs
  • Up to two paid volunteer days per year for community service
Full Job Description
The Opportunity:
Maple Leaf Foods is advancing several enterprise-wide strategic initiatives designed to strengthen performance, enhance operational effectiveness, and support long-term growth. As part of this work, we are seeking an experienced Project Lead who brings structure, clarity, and disciplined execution to high-impact initiatives.

This role will lead and support large, cross-functional strategic projects aligned to the company's vision. These initiatives may span commercial, operational, and enterprise functions and vary in complexity and duration. In addition, the role will manage smaller, shorter-term assignments that benefit from strong project management discipline and structured delivery.

The successful candidate is a seasoned project manager with strong organizational skills and a practical, results-oriented approach. A solid command of project management fundamentals; planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, change management, and communications will all be critical to delivering successful outcomes.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by August 18. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy:Existing Headcount
Compensation:$96,000 - $141,000 CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive

The above compensation reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.In addition to base salary, this role is eligible to participate in Maple Leaf's annual short-term incentive plan.
What you'll do:
Lead Strategic Enterprise Initiatives
  • Lead end-to-end delivery of large, cross-functional strategic projects
  • Partner with senior leaders and functional teams to define scope, objectives, and success measures
  • Translate business priorities into structured project plans with clear milestones, roles, and accountabilities
  • Establish governance structures and ensure adherence throughout the project lifecycle
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment
  • Identify risks early, develop mitigation plans, and drive timely issue resolution
  • Manage budgets and project financials in coordination with Finance, resource planning
  • Drive strong communication and engagement across stakeholder groups
  • Manage budgets and project financials in coordination with Finance
  • Track progress, ensuring project deliverables meet quality, compliance, and business standards
  • Provide clear, consistent reporting to stakeholders, inclusive of Executive leadership
  • Stay informed, applying and standardizing industry best practices across projects, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the growth of team capabilities
Support Targeted, Short-Term Assignments
  • Provide disciplined project management support to smaller initiatives requiring structure and coordination
  • Facilitate planning sessions and drive alignment across stakeholders
  • Ensure deliverables are clearly defined and executed within agreed timelines
  • Reinforce consistent project management practices across initiatives

What You'll Bring:
  • 5+ years of experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects
  • Demonstrated experience with operational transformation, manufacturing projects, and/or commercial optimization projects
  • Solid command of project management tools, methodologies, and processes
  • Strong relationship-building and influence skills, with the ability to align diverse teams
  • Exceptional communication skills and confidence interacting with all organizational levels
  • Calm, structured approach to risk management and problem-solving
  • Proven ability to drive accountability, clarify roles, and enable teams to succeed
  • Willingness and ability to travel to sites during planning and deployment
  • PMP certification (preferred)

Why You'll Love This Role:
  • Opportunity to lead one of Maple Leaf Foods' most important early-stage strategic initiatives
  • Ability to shape how Lean Manufacturing becomes embedded across our operations
  • High visibility with executives and senior leadership
  • A chance to influence major organizational change and make a tangible impact

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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