The Opportunity:

The Raw Material - Procurement Product Associate – Poultry is responsible for sourcing the requested amount of raw material supply for their designated Prepared Meats and Further Process Poultry facilities, based on the weekly requirements set out by Supply Chain. They are accountable for delivering products that meet the required specifications and timelines, while minimizing the overall purchase cost to Maple Leaf. As well, they will assist to the Raw Material Procurement Manager in supporting the MLCF innovation agenda by acting as a subject market expert on new Further Processed Chicken initiatives; providing input on raw material availability and pricing. This role is unique to Maple Leaf and industry as the role focuses on fresh chicken & Turkey procurement. Product Management Associate will provide support through reporting and provide insight on the profitably of key poultry cuts. Provide support cross functionally to promote increased and maintained GP’s in key cuts directed by the Manager – Product Management & Procurement.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by September 30. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Co-ordinate internally produced materials from Fresh Poultry Plants to Prepared Meats Facilities
• Optimize use of raw materials to maximize the full value chain profitability
• Day to day management of raw material from internal and external supply to FP Poultry facilities, ensuring uninterrupted supply of raw materials.
• Forecast raw material requirements
• Process purchase orders, responsible for approx. $100 M Dollars in purchases.
• Understand impact to business as associate can purchase up to $250 K per transaction.
• Negotiate Pricing for all external purchases, short and long term.
• Make best decisions for Maple Leaf in fast paced environment, to mitigate loses.
• Problem solving, making sure the right teams come together to find solutions.
• Arrange/expedite transport of raw materials for non-FOB activities
• Investigate and action NCRs
• Support Manager Product Management & Procurement on the sourcing, testing and approval of new materials and products
• Monitor, maintain and issue required reporting
• Support Manager Product Management & Procurement in developing a supply base that provides maximum value to Maple Leaf Foods – Minimize outside spot purchases and avoid internal commodity sales by recommending production schedule changes.
• Monitor frozen inventories and communicate issues or opportunities as required
• Track & report supplier fill rate / order conformance
• Investigate and invoice issues in timely manner and ensure the completion of return goods forms and debit/credit memos
• Provide back up coverage for fellow associates
• Perform ongoing system maintenance / planning tools updates
• Track and Balance Maple Leaf Quota transactions
• Provide Product Manager insights and recommendations on key cut profitability and track monthly GPS on selected cuts.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and contribute to purchasing team and other departments in achieving their goals and objectives, act as subject matter expert.
• Demonstrated ability to influence plant operations with raw material improvements and ordering efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to improve supplier relationships and resolve conflicts in a timely manner 
• Work with Logistics and Plants on delivery windows and timing to insure Plants are not impacted.
• Achievement of yearly objectives and development plans
• Long range plan and visibility to excess or purchase requirements for Chicken raw materials
• Improvement in the storage and retrieval of purchasing information to support internal stakeholders
• Improvement of the purchasing administrative process.
• Timely delivery of raw materials to plant at the right price with the right Quality.

What You’ll Bring:

• 2 to 3 years of experience in the management and / or procurement of a commodity based category
• University degree or Community College diploma in a related field
• Demonstrated purchasing and / or negotiating experience
• Professional purchasing training an asset
• Team player with strong communication and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment
• Ability to work independently and drive to solutions.
• Ability to negotiate pricing at fair market values.
• Action oriented with a proven ability to execute in a highly demanding purchasing environment
• Exceptional organizational abilities and time management skills
• Professional attitude and dedication to outstanding quality
• Ability to improve process by proactively seeking and implementing new opportunities
• Ability to understand stakeholder needs and meet those needs in a timely manner
• Superior analytical skills and the ability to quickly and efficiently evaluate large data sets using advanced techniques (pivot tables, logic statements, macro information)
• Superior IT skills including Excel, Word, SAP and BPCS

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.