The Opportunity:
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading medium to large capital projects within our facility, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, on budget and on schedule. This role requires extensive project management expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while supporting the Project Engineers reporting to you. The Senior Project Manager ensures all activities comply with HACCP, Health & Safety, and Food Safety regulations, while supporting ongoing operational improvements and strategic capital planning.
Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by December 29. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.
Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:
Project & Capital Management
- Develop and manage capital project plans, budgets, schedules, and annual/multi-year capital strategies.
- Prepare and justify Capital Expenditure Requests (CERs) and business cases for major projects.
- Lead the execution of assigned projects—including projects >$2M—to budget, performance, and timeline targets.
- Negotiate and manage contracts; supervise consultants, contractors, and equipment/service providers.
- Ensure proper application of engineering standards, project management methodologies, and Six Sigma principles.
- Conduct post-project reviews and prepare summary reports for major capital projects.
- Provide technical and project support to Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Plant Leadership teams.
Governance, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all project activities adhere to health & safety, food safety, HACCP, OH&S, WHMIS, and other regulatory requirements.
- Monitor construction site practices and regulatory compliance, including WSIB/WCB and insurance expectations.
- Identify and proactively address project issues related to budget, scope, schedule, or performance.
- Ensure the consistent application of appropriate procedures, codes, and engineering best practices.
- Support operational due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, divestments, and major business changes.
Technical Service & Continuous Improvement
- Maintain strong knowledge of plant technologies, utility systems, infrastructure, and construction methodologies.
- Stay current on emerging practices in food manufacturing, construction, project execution, and energy efficiency.
- Support environmental compliance, energy reduction initiatives, and sustainability efforts.
- Participate in developing corporate best practices for capital project execution and technical service.
- Investigate, recommend, and implement innovative and cost-effective plant improvement solutions.
Leadership & Resource Development
- Provide leadership and direction to plant teams in the execution of capital projects.
- Support and/or lead an engineering resource group that delivers technical support and project execution capabilities.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal partners, consultants, and contractors.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Provide timely updates to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership and corporate Engineering & Construction.
- Maintain communication with plant teams to understand technical and operational support needs.
- Offer input into strategic capital requirements for annual operating and long-term business plans.
What You’ll Bring:
- Engineering degree (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related field); P.Eng. an asset.
- PMP designation.
- 10 years of experience managing major capital projects, ideally in manufacturing; experience with projects of various sizes preferred.
- Strong understanding of facility construction, utilities, and mechanical/electrical systems.
- Knowledge of HACCP, OH&S, WHMIS, and other relevant regulatory requirements; food industry experience is an asset.
- Proven ability to manage multiple medium to large projects concurrently with strong planning and organizational skills.
- Effective leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software; familiarity with Six Sigma is an asset.
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.