The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications, as the Director, Communications, you will lead and drive 360-degree communications programs that bring Maple Leaf Foods’ corporate narrative to life – highlighting our Vision, Purpose and sustainability priorities, and telling the story of our journey as a leading Consumer Packaged Goods company. Leveraging your expertise in media relations, agency collaboration and reputation management, you will lead building the strategy and execution of public relations campaigns that deliver meaningful, audience-focused communications and strengthen Maple Leaf Foods’ brand with consumers, customers, Team Members and other key stakeholders. You will also manage a small team, coach junior team members, and manage their development.

You will lead the Company’s corporate storytelling across our website and social media channels, driving an engaging digital content strategy that reflects our brand and business priorities. You will bring strong expertise in digital strategy, content creation, and platform management.

You will work cross-functionally and build strong relationships across the Company with key subject matter experts to effectively implement strategic communications programs that will drive engagement across stakeholder groups.

Working with the Vice President, Communications, you will also lead the brand reputation and crisis response program.

This role demands a passion for creative storytelling, along with a combination of superior writing, strategic thinking, planning, leadership skills, budget management and a track record of flawless execution and delivery, with an exceptional understanding of public affairs, media relations and deploying communications programs with multiple stakeholder audiences in mind.

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

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Manage external media and agency partners in developing campaigns for a variety of initiatives (e.g., sustainability communications, recruitment campaigns, etc.).
• Strategy and execution of communications plans for crisis and issues management situations, including development of proactive and reactive strategies that support media and consumer engagement.
• End-to-end flawless event management (including event budget management) of high-priority corporate events including hybrid (in-person and virtual) Annual General Meeting and press conferences,
• Develop and execute highly confidential change management projects within the organization with thoughtful communication plans and consultation to support cross-functional teams throughout their change needs. Experience in facility closures, acquisitions, organizational changes and program adaptations is a must.
• Partner with the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security to develop engaging communications programs that educate and engage all stakeholder audiences.

What You’ll Bring:

• Progressive and Director-level experience in external and internal communications or experience leading communications in a related field.
• A passion for creative storytelling
• Superior writing, editing and content production skills.
• Must be proactive and performance-driven, have a bias for action, and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and coach others and build strong, trusted relationships.
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to synthesize complex business information into straight-forward, engaging, meaningful and relevant content.
• Excellent project management skills and superior attention to detail. Ability to manage and deliver on multiple projects and competing priorities.

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 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.