The Opportunity:

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

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Develop and manage sensory evaluation programs to assess the sensory attributes of existing or potential Maple Leaf products, including taste, texture, aroma, and appearance.
• Recruit and manage sensory panels consisting of consumer and/or employee assessors to ensure accurate and consistent sensory evaluations.
• Design and conduct sensory tests, including discrimination tests, descriptive analysis, and consumer preference studies, to evaluate product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Analyze sensory data and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Research & Development, Quality Assurance, and Production, to identify opportunities for product improvement and optimization.
• Implement sensory standards and protocols to ensure product consistency and adherence to quality specifications.
• Stay current with industry trends, scientific advancements, and consumer preferences related to sensory science and meat products.
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners to outsource Sensory testing when required.
• Participate in Innovation/product development projects, providing sensory expertise and guidance throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate records of sensory evaluations, test results, and sensory-related documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Foster a culture of sensory awareness and excellence within the organization, promoting the importance of sensory evaluation in delivering superior protein products to consumers.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sensory science, preferably in the food industry, with a focus on meat products.
• Strong knowledge of sensory evaluation technique and statistical analysis.
• Experience managing sensory panels and conducting sensory tests, including discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, and consumer studies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex sensory data and draw actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in sensory software and data analysis tools is a plus.
• Passion for food and a commitment to delivering exceptional sensory experiences to consumers.

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