Project Lead - Strategic Execution

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 Us:

We’re a carbon neutral food company on a purposeful journey to Raise the Good in Food through better nutrition, safer food and workplaces, more humane animal care, and environmental sustainability efforts that protect our planet. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. Join us on the journey. Let’s build a better future, together.

We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein that Canadians love under iconic national and regional brands, like Maple Leaf®, Schneiders®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co.® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company – not just in Canada – but on earth.

• We are carbon neutral.
• We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science-based targets.

We’re a global food company with approximately 10,000 team members. We operate sites in 20+ locations across Canada. We also have locations in the U.S. and Mexico, and do business in Asia.

A diverse and inclusive work environment

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision and living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values. We believe in building, investing in, recognizing, and rewarding remarkable people who value an inclusive workplace, embrace all forms of diversity, and commit to including every voice in our collaborative environment. We’re so much stronger when we know we’re accepted and valued for who we are and what we each bring to the workplace.

We embrace a strong, values-based culture

Our eight Leadership Values are our north star. They guide the decisions we make for all our stakeholders: our consumers, our customers, our people, our communities, our shareholders, and the environment.

• Doing What’s Right
• Shared Value
• High Performance
• Diverse and Inclusive Teams
• Disciplined Decision Making
• Our Accountability
• Intense Curiosity
• Transparency and Humility

We thank all applicants for their interest in exploring employment opportunities with Maple Leaf Foods; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position.

Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component to advancing our collective purpose and vision, living the Maple Leaf Leadership Values, and delivering winning results. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired; please contact our Talent Attraction Team at accommodations@mapleleaf.com.

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.

Disclaimer: Please note that salaries posted on sites other than the MLF Careers Page are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods and are an estimated salary range provided by that particular job board. Maple Leaf Foods offers competitive wages and an attractive total rewards package, which will be discussed during an interview with our Talent Team.

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