Project Specialist

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Reliability Leader, the Project Specialist is responsible for supporting and executing reliability, maintenance, and capital improvement initiatives that improve equipment performance, operational efficiency, food safety, and overall plant reliability.

The role coordinates and manages assigned projects and improvement activities from planning through implementation while supporting safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations across the facility.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by June 05. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Support execution of reliability, maintenance, and capital improvement projects
• Coordinate assigned project activities from planning through implementation and closeout
• Support initiatives focused on improving equipment reliability and operational efficiency
• Assist with development and tracking of project schedules, budgets, and progress reporting
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, procurement activities, and onsite project work through schedule flexibility
• Support shutdown and outage planning, coordination, and execution activities
• Ensure compliance with all safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Participate in root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions for equipment and process issues
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support plant objectives
• Maintain project documentation, technical records, and project tracking information
• Support maintenance optimization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with commissioning, startup, and project handoff activities
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, standardization, and cost reduction
• Communicate project status, risks, and updates to plant leadership and stakeholders
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvemen

What You’ll Bring:

• Strong coordination and execution capability in a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting capital, reliability, and continuous improvement projects
• Knowledge of industrial equipment, maintenance systems, and plant operations
• Understanding of basic reliability and maintenance principles including RCA, PM/PdM, and preventive maintenance practices
• Ability to support improvements in equipment uptime and operational performance
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines
• Experience supporting project scopes, schedules, budgets, and reporting activities
• Strong contractor, vendor, and stakeholder coordination capability
• Ability to work collaboratively across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams
• Working knowledge of automation, controls, and industrial systems
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and process drawings including P&IDs
• Experience with SAP CMMS system
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to safety leadership, food safety, and regulatory compliance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project tracking tools
• Ability to adapt and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated accountability, initiative, and continuous improvement mindset

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.

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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