The Opportunity:

The Manager, Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) – Co-manufacturers Compliance is a key leadership role within Maple Leaf Foods (MLF).  The role entails hands-on oversight of quality and food safety processes in action that support the execution of MLF's Co-manufacturer FSQ Strategy, FSQ programs and new business initiatives. Key accountabilities are to consistently deliver strategic business FSQ initiatives and information to cross-functional stakeholders, in addition to the following:

• gather and analyze technical information from multiple sources associated with co-manufacturer facilities
• drive execution of the MLF Co-manufacturer FSQ Strategy deep into their organizations
• actively assess FSQ processes at our co-man facilities
• provide recommendations & guidance to our co-manufacturers to apply best FSQ practices
• review product manufacturing processes to confirm compliance to specifications & Regulations
• assess compliance to food safety programs utilized in production environments

The successful candidate is an accomplished FS&Q professional and a mature leader whose Food Safety knowledge, quality assessment competencies, report writing abilities, respectful message delivery and collaborative skills, translate into end goals where products are of exceptional safety & quality.  The incumbent will report to the Director, FSQA and work out of our Head Office in Mississauga, Ontario.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by April 03. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Develop and implement quality conformance plans
• Identify co-manufacturer conformance through measured parameters to the approved specifications of our co-manufactured products
• Assess and evaluate the conformance to FS&Q programs, and conformance to finished product specifications
• Routinely assess trends in co-manufacturers (QN) non-conformance events reported from the MLF Sales team to measure efficacy & validity of corresponding corrective actions
• Document any co-manufacturers FS&Q non-conformances and assess root cause & corrective actions versus the specification or program
• Teach co-manufacturer employees on new quality procedures & programs where required and when products or processes are newly introduced
• Ensure that co-manufacturers’ manufacturing facility is food safety & quality programs compliant to MLF and Regulatory standards
• Assess baseline co-manufacturer performance status against a list of targeted FS&Q KPIs
• Capture & trend issues and related corrective actions intended to mitigate food safety & quality deficiencies
• Prepare and present fact-based and professional FS&Q reports to senior management

What You’ll Bring:

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or higher post-secondary education in food science or related food industry science
• 10+ years of FSQA Manager experience in a food manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of experience as a FSQA Auditor in the food industry
• 5+ years of FSQA experience working with independent outside co-manufacturers to prepare & package branded products
• In-depth knowledge of food industry manufacturing standards
• Possess in-depth knowledge of food product standards, food packaging materials standards
• Strong understanding of Canadian and U.S food manufacturing Regulations, Thermal Processing of RTE/fully cooked foods
• Solid competency with actual experience in Environmental Monitoring Program implementation, improvements & conformance
• Working level knowledge of Canadian and U.S. Regulatory requirements including CFIA, SFCR, USDA, Health Canada, FDA, etc.
• Current food industry related audit Certification by a recognized 3rd Party Auditing organization
• Proficiency in quality management systems, especially SAP-QM module
• Advanced organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail
• Project management experience
• Working knowledge using Six Sigma tools, Statistical Process Control, Power BI
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, Visio, SharePoint

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Lead by example
• Exceptional communication skills – able to articulate complex messaging, in both verbal and written formats
• Strong customer service focus with the ability to positively forge partnerships internally within the business and externally with co-manufacturers
• Advanced ability to create and report technical information
• Ability to work independently, as well as a part of a team
• Well organized enabling on-time of deliverables while managing changing milestones and timelines
• Confidence presenting information and speaking publicly, including to Senior Management and to external stakeholders
• Must be able to travel frequently, both domestically and internationally
• Valid driver’s license

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’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