The Opportunity:

The FSQA Director, Suppliers, Co-Manufacturers, Distribution Centres is accountable for the execution of 5 team sub-strategies at Maple Leaf Foods (MLF), the FSQA oversight, approval, and performance monitoring of Suppliers and Co-manufacturers, FSQA compliance within the MLF Storage & Distribution network, sensory assessment of Finished Goods Shelf-Life performance & opportunities, management and communication of our Customers’  “Vendor Specification” updates and requests for various compliance documentation.  

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by February 23. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy:  Existing Headcount 

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

Food Safety & Quality

• Support your team to assess & monitor compliance to MLF food safety and quality standard requirements, ensuring successful implementation at Suppliers’ and Co-Manufacturers' facilities 
• Primary FSQA lead during recalls, withdrawals and other critical FSQ events that could or are likely to impact MLF products and facilities associated with our Co-manufacturers' MLF finished goods or materials procured from Suppliers
• Provide guidance & recommendations for improvement to the FS&Q programs in our Co-manufacturers' network to ensure compliance to regulatory requirements where applicable (i.e. CFIA, Health Canada, USDA, FDA, etc.)
• Ensure the MLF FSQ Risk Scoring and Risk Ranking tool is utilized to identify FSQ risk at our Suppliers and Co-Manufacturers, providing level of risk to MLF is kept up to date. 
• Ownership of FS&Q audit compliance to the MLF Internal Audit Standard and the external GFSI Audit Standard at our primary finished goods Distribution Centres (EDC & MWDC) 
• Ensure timely and robust completion of corrective actions required to mitigate/eliminate the issues related to non-conformances/findings identified in the Distribution Centres’ audits
• Respond to critical food safety or quality issues impacted by Suppliers or Co-mans' products with urgency while bringing others along the way to achieve a positive outcome
• Drive Food Safety & Quality investigations and decisions towards prevention and prediction

Technical

• Drive improvements in FSQ programs at our Co-manufacturers and Suppliers to obtain metrics that can be measured & trended to identify, enable and support implementation of process improvements 
• On site presence at Supplier and/or Co-manufacturers' facilities including travel in Canada and in the US as required in collaborative interaction with other FSQ Directors and within other MLF departments
• Demonstrated ability to explain technical issues to targeted audiences with different levels of comprehension and understanding
• Ability to quickly derive root cause(s) and effect sustainable preventive measures

Leadership

• Engage in collaborative interaction with other FSQ Directors and within other MLF departments
• Provide opportunities for information sharing, positive stable FS&Q business improvement outcomes, and consistency of FS&Q programs at Co-Manufacturers' facilities and our Distribution Centres
• Establish and grow strong business relationships through collaboration with other MLF functions
• Thought leadership to continuously improve the MLF FSQA programs related to team accountabilities
• Participation in Customer SPOC program 
• Regular interaction with internal customers and key stakeholders within MLF 
• Work closely with the assigned corporate Procurement and Purchasing leads to assure compliance to   the specification requirements for Co-man products and procured materials   
• Network with peers in the industry, related professional associations, and interact as needed with the applicable regulatory agencies 
• Ability to drive others toward a common goal, applying influential leadership to include those that don’t report into this role  
• Ability to develop and present go forward actions in a way that results in commitment from the team 
• Work as a collaborative team member with peer FSQA Directors
• Strong strategy development and strategic planning skills, strategic thinking, planning and execution
• Owner of the 8:30 call planning and logistics
• Proven coaching, mentoring and directive skills
• Ownership of your team related Corporate FSQA policies, programs, SOPs, etc. and document management within SharePoint 
• Liaise with MLF Sales team to assure delivery of Food Safety and Quality expectations (including specifications, new projects, audits, etc.), as required by the customer in the MLF programs at affected Co-manufacturer facilities
• Strong Analytics skills

People Growth

• Manage & support your team development and individual team members’ growth to become strong leaders within MLF  
• Provide support and guidance to your team to ensure adherence to specifications through understanding of process capability at our Co-manufacturers 
• Participate in talent planning - short and long term 
• Directionally support the team’s growth using Leader Standard Work (LSW)   
• Completion of hiring waivers, salary reviews, performance discussions including performance assessments and development plans, performance improvement plans, business objectives

What You’ll Bring:

• Demonstrated adherence to our Maple Leaf Values 
• Work independently without day-to-day guidance and direction 
• Resilience and ability to persevere through difficult situations 
• Demonstrated skills in team building and collaboration within the FSQA function, cross-functionally, and with stakeholders 
• Clear and concise in all means of communication (written, verbal, electronic, public speaking, etc.) to all levels within the MLF organization 
• Effectively able to communicate with all levels of the organization (situational communication) and with key stakeholders. 
• Proven Continuous Improvement skills  
• Strong project management skills
• Demonstrated ability to use data to predict and prevent problems before they arise. 
• Ability to compile all relevant information into a concise risk assessment and reporting format and provide output to all stakeholders in a timely manner. 

  PREFERRED HIRING CRITERIA 

• 10 years of experience managing technical teams  
• Minimum of 10 years in a Federally regulated food manufacturing facility 
• 10 years’ experience in the manufacture of prepared foods, poultry processing and Storage & Distribution oversight
• Minimum 8 years in a Food Safety and Quality Management function 
• 5 years of experience working with Suppliers and Co-Manufacturers to improve performance 
• Educated: B.Sc. degree (or higher) from a Science based major: Meat Science, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Animal Science, Applied Sciences, etc.
• Proven strong organizational skills, organizational planning  
• Strong Change management skills

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.

The above compensation reflects the target compensation for the position at the time of posting. The base salary offered may vary based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, education, training, job- related knowledge, and other organizational requirements. For part-time roles, salaries are adjusted according to scheduled hours.  In addition to base salary, this role is eligible to participate in Maple Leaf’s annual short-term incentive plan. 

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.