The Opportunity:

Product Development bridges the gap between marketing concepts and real-world food products, bringing ideas to life in a full-scale production environment. The Associate Product Developer role is ideal for individuals who thrive on the challenge of creating and refining innovative food products and technologies. In this position, you will collaborate across functions—including marketing, sales, manufacturing, quality assurance, and other partners—to drive rapid prototyping, new product development, product reformulation and improvement, cost optimization, ingredient evaluation, and exploration of food manufacturing processes.

We are seeking candidates who are self-motivated and accountable, strong team players with a collaborative mindset, comfortable in a fast-paced environment and focused on achieving results, and creative problem-solvers who can tackle diverse challenges. This is a hands-on role that requires active involvement in both our pilot plant and manufacturing facilities. A genuine passion for food science and technology, coupled with the ability to translate theory into practical solutions, is essential for success.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by December 17. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Executing product testing at the bench, pilot plant, and manufacturing levels to support new and existing formulations and processes. This may include spending long hours in a refrigerated production environment with raw meats
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data using both qualitative and quantitative methods to guide decision-making.
• Keep comprehensive project records and deliver clear, concise summary reports as required.
• Evaluate competitive products through retail audits and detailed product analysis
• Cultivate expertise in Product Lifecycle Management to efficiently facilitate label and regulatory approvals, as well as to develop, document, and update product formulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Present new and modified products to cross-functional teams, incorporating feedback to recommend next steps
• Participate in sensory evaluations to assess product quality and consumer appeal.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on both commercial and technical projects.
• Organize and maintain project files to ensure knowledge transfer and capture key learnings.
• Compile and maintain documentation to support regulatory approvals, tax credit applications, and related requirements.
• Engage with suppliers, industry partners, and academic communities to achieve project objectives and expand technical expertise.

What You’ll Bring:

• Diploma/Degree in Food Science, Technology or related field
• Open to working with, and tasting, all categories of foods
• Prior exposure to Product Development, Operations, or Quality Control an asset
• Proactive workload management with a focus on future deliverables
• Functionally competent in MS Office programs  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must enjoy and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptable schedule to accommodate varying start times driven by operational needs
• Flexibility to travel to different manufacturing sites, etc.
• Some level of physical work may be required (i.e. lifting up to 20 kg)
• Valid driver’s license and a car available

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.