FSQA Director - Contract

The Opportunity The Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is accountable for executing the Food Safety, Quality and Technical Services long‑term strategy within Maple Leaf Foods’ vision to Raise the Good in Food. The Director will adhere to and execute the MLF Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) across several food production facilities and drive continuous improvement in a fast‑paced and demanding environment. Additionally, the Director will support the establishment and maintenance of positive and collaborative relationships with other functions throughout the organization, regulatory authorities, customers and external contacts.

Snapshot of a Day‑in‑the‑Life Food Safety

Lead, support, and communicate the MLF FSQATS strategy and drive FSQ performance metric targets.

Guide teams toward meeting MLF’s standards within the FSQATS management system.

Oversee compliance of the HACCP system to meet FSEP and other regulatory requirements where applicable (e.g., USDA, FDA).

Continuous improvement of FSQ programs to enable adherence to Internal Audit and BRC/SQF requirements.

Pathogen Control programs such as EMP testing and oversight, review of related Seek & Destroy activities, pathogen surveillance, and trend analysis of results in Prepared Meats facilities.

Coach and educate teams via a deep understanding of the EMP Standards and SOP.

Oversight and approval of construction protocols at plant level as they impact FSQ.

Lead the review of the Food Safety and Quality Risk Assessment as a key element of the product development (Get‑To‑Market) process both before and after Decision‑To‑Launch.

Review and approve all FSQ risk assessments conducted by assigned plants.

Review and approve plant responses to SIP regulatory non‑conformances from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Collaborative interaction with other Directors, FSQA in support of information sharing, program improvements and consistency within all manufacturing facilities and distribution centres.

Provide thought leadership to continuously improve the MLF FSQA Management System or its effective execution.

Focus effort to reduce waste from the FSQA Management System via Six Sigma methodology.

Strong leadership and support of manufacturing facilities and the corporate FSQ team.

Build strong relationships with other functions that enable positive engagement and results.

Active role in new builds, redesign of current manufacturing processes to ensure Food Safety is built in during design.

Quality

Adhere to the QMS standard and provide guidance to other functions.

Adhere to specifications.

Establish, assure adherence, and continuously improve QMS governance in the responsible plants.

Complete and thorough understanding of QMS.

Trend analysis of QMS performance (CQPs, CTQs, etc.) to identify, enable, and support implementation of process improvements as defined within QMS governance.

Talent Development

Develop FSQA personnel at assigned plants, including succession planning.

Utilize the FSQA Competency Model to hire, coach, mentor, and seek opportunities to develop and execute training.

Provide guidance and direction on training of hourly and salaried FSQA plant staff to assure compliance with Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Compliance.

Participate in talent planning—short and long term.

Complete hiring waivers, salary reviews, performance discussions including performance assessments, development action plans, performance improvement plans, business objectives, and terminations (as required).

External Customer

Oversight of plant BRC/SQF certification and compliance.

Liaise with Sales to assure delivery of Food Safety and Quality expectations (including specifications, audits, etc.), as required by the customer within the MLF programs and affected plants.

Internal Contacts

Regular interaction with internal customers, Sales and Marketing, Operations, the Operations Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Teams as required.

Network with peers in the industry, related professional associations, and interact as needed with the applicable regulatory agencies.

Work closely with the assigned corporate Operations leads to assure compliance with the aforementioned programs.

Working Conditions

Presence at facilities on a routine basis, including travel in Western/Eastern Canada and Ontario, and potentially other areas.

Hours may vary to meet plant schedules, including sanitation, pre‑operative inspection, and all shifts of operation.

Work independently with demonstrated self‑accountability and thought leadership.

What You’ll Bring

Proven project management experience, including demonstrated change management competency.

5‑10 years of experience managing teams.

Minimum of 10 years in a regulated food manufacturing industry.

Minimum five years in Food Safety and Quality Management function.

Bachelor of Science in Meat Science, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Animal Science, or other related science degree. Applied science degrees (e.g., Engineering) will be considered depending upon previous work experience.

Six Sigma Black Belt or Level 2‑3 Six Sigma certified.

Lean Manufacturing excellence understanding and participation.

Experience in prepared food/meat processing.

Required Proven Competencies Behavioral Requirements

Demonstrated compliance to the Maple Leaf Values.

Work independently without day‑to‑day guidance and direction.

Resilience and ability to persevere through difficult situations.

Demonstrated skills in team building and collaboration within the function and cross‑functionally, and with stakeholders.

Communication

Clear and concise in all means of communication (written, verbal, electronic, public speaking, etc.).

Demonstrated ability to explain technical issues in understandable terms.

Effectively able to communicate with all levels of the organization (situational communication) and stakeholders.

Problem Prevention/Solution

Proven Continuous Improvement skills especially through Six Sigma and Lean.

Strong project management skills.

Ability to quickly derive root cause and effect sustainable preventive measures.

Demonstrated ability to use data to predict and prevent problems before they arise.

Ability to compile all relevant information into concise risk assessment and reporting format and provide output to all stakeholders in a timely manner.

Drive to prevention and prediction.

Leadership

Proven coaching, mentoring and directive skills.

Ability to drive others toward a common goal, including those that don’t report to this role (influential leadership).

Ability to develop and present go‑forward actions in a way that results in commitment from the team.

Work as a team with peer FSQA Directors—collaboration is key.

Commitment and Teamwork Focused

Holds self and others accountable to effectively deliver on FSQMS programs including MLF programs, regulatory requirements, customer requirements, etc.

Required Technical Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

SAP‑QM and SAP‑RD required.

Visio and Minitab proficiency an asset.

What We Offer

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.

EEO & Accommodation Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet the security criteria designated for the position. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.

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