The Opportunity:

Reporting to the VP of Labour Relations, the Director of Labour Relations is a member of the HR Labour Relations team and works closely with Maple Leaf Foods’ 25 manufacturing and distribution locations to support all aspects of Employee and Labour Relations. This position is responsible for the strategic and tactical execution of the Employee and Labour Relations strategy and operational plan for the network.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by April 09. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Oversee, manage, lead, coach, guide and mentor plant-based HR staff on Labour Relations matters including building effective union relations, investigations, performance matters, complaints, grievances, labour relations related legislation and any other union-related issues.
• Participate in the development of the Maple Leaf LR/ER strategic and tactical plan, as well as contributing, along with all members of the HR leadership team, the formulation of HR’s operational and strategic goals and objectives.
• Act as Maple Leaf Foods spokesperson for the negotiation of Collective Agreements; negotiate and draft settlement agreements, implement, interpret and administer Collective Agreements.
• Create a team based and integrated approach to Labour and Employee Relations.
• Work with appropriate stakeholders with respect to grievance, complaints and conflict resolutions and represent Maple Leaf Foods at arbitration/board hearings when necessary.
• Responsible for creating, implementing and continually managing LR/ER/HR KPIs.
• Ensure appropriate development labour relations skills through the planning, development and implementation of training seminars and information sessions.
• Leverage best practices across the network to establish Maple Leaf standards for attendance management, discipline, policies and any other labour-related topics.
• Support various locations with positive employee relations activities to ensure strong communications and relations between management and workers.
• Advise on behalf of HR and Labour Relations for Corporate initiatives to ensure worker-related perspectives are considered.
• Lead and provide counsel on special projects as requested.

What You’ll Bring:

• 7-10 years working experience in Human Resources and Labour Relations in a unionized environment, with an emphasis on significant multi-site collective agreement locations.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience of leading collective agreement negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice and counsel to business while using ability to influence.
• Broad knowledge of employment legislation: Labour Relations Act, Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, etc.
• Strong leadership skills with emphasis on coaching, teamwork, development and influencing others
• Excellent verbal and written communications with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends and opportunities, translate these into clear and effective goals while maintaining a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong business acumen and labour analytics experience.
• University Degree or completion of a College Diploma Program in Human Resources or related discipline. Human Resources Leader (CHRL) or Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) desirable.

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.
• A hybrid work model that embraces remote work for eligible roles, helping team members achieve work-life balance—combining the best of both spending time working remotely, benefitting from focus time, and purposeful collaboration in the office setting. 
• 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 aim to reduce our environmental footprint by 50% by 2025.

We’re a global food company with more than 13,500 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.

#LI-Hybrid