The Opportunity:

The Director role offers an exciting opportunity for strategic leadership, fostering strong partnerships with business leaders while supporting the ongoing growth of a next-generation Internal Audit (IA) team both in terms of culture and audit planning. The Director oversees major financial, operational, commercial, and IT reviews, ensuring effective departmental management. Team members gain broad experience, preparing them for varied career paths within or beyond Finance.

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Internal Audit, the Director plays a pivotal role in shaping departmental strategy, leading a team of experienced senior internal auditors, and managing the execution and delivery of critical or high-risk internal audit, advisory, and whistleblower assignments. Through these engagements, the Director and the Internal Audit team assist the Audit Committee and management in assessing the adequacy of the design and operating effectiveness of the organization’s internal controls, while advising on process improvements to optimize Maple Leaf Foods (MLF) performance.

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.

Reason for vacancy:  Increment Headcount

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

People
Drive Internal Audit’s “Vision 2026” by:

• Leading cost-effective automation to reduce manual audit work (e.g., C3, T&E expense testing).
• Using “Management Awareness of Risks and Controls” ratings in IA reports to assess control effectiveness and management’s risk awareness.
• Promoting a client-centric culture to maintain IA’s reputation as trusted business advisors and independent assurance providers.
• Leading a high-performance audit team by upholding and expecting excellence.
• Proactively coaching Senior Auditors through consistent feedback, support, and growth opportunities.

Business Partner

• Build trusted partnerships with business leaders by delivering credible, timely, and relevant insights to MLF management teams.

Internal Audit / Advisory Reviews

• Conduct annual Audit Universe Risk Assessments to identify functional/business areas of highest risk for inclusion in the Annual Internal Audit Plan. Key aspects include:
  • Liaising with key Director/VP contacts from each Auditable Entity/Unit across MLF to understand current challenges and upcoming changes (e.g., key projects, team structure, competitive forces, regulatory requirements).
  • Producing preliminary “Residual Risk Ratings” for each Auditable Entity/Unit based on discussions, recent audit/C3 results, and industry benchmarking.
  • Supporting the Deputy Head of Internal Audit in preparing for annual meetings with SLT/SMF leaders to review Residual Risk Ratings and proposed audit approaches for the next three years.
  • Developing a formal framework for Audit Universe Risk Assessments.
• Develop a flexible two-year audit plan using risk assessments and past audit coverage to prioritize high-risk areas, deliver value, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Oversee and execute reporting to Executive Management and the Audit Committee, focusing on key messages from quarterly Audit and C3 results, Action Plan progress, and EthicsLine investigations.
• Contribute to thought leadership and continuous improvement of internal audit processes and internal control matters.
• Support strategic initiatives (e.g., automation and GenAI adoption within Internal Audit).
• Guide and coach the Manager, Internal Audit on scheduling and assigning auditors based on skillsets and availability.
• Present engagement findings to senior executives.
• Manage key/high-risk internal audit engagements, ensuring:
  • Engagements are well-planned, properly staffed, and delivered on schedule.
  • Scoping focuses on the highest risks.
  • Strong management relationships are built through timely updates and business understanding.
  • Fieldwork is supervised and working papers reviewed.
  • Projects finish on time and within budget.
  • Audit reports are concise, balanced, and offer practical recommendations.
  • Findings are clearly communicated to senior executives.

Whistleblower Hotline (“EthicsLine”)

• Leverage experience in conducting investigations to execute EthicsLine investigations involving fraud, misappropriation, accounting irregularities, etc., with the highest level of confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Assist from time-to-time in managing the EthicsLine reporting tool by:
  • Triaging reports and assigning them to supporting functions (e.g., HR, H&S, FSQA) or scoping investigations for IA.
  • Reviewing supporting functions’ investigation results for adequacy and documenting in the reporting tool.
  • Producing weekly EthicsLine reports for the Ethics Committee and quarterly reports for the Audit and HR & Compensation Committees.

NI 52-109 Compliance

• Conduct initial and annual C3 optimization reviews to ensure the program incorporates critical financial reporting controls, documents associated risks, and maintains an effective testing strategy.
• Provide coaching to the Manager of Internal Audit and a team of Senior Internal Auditors in managing operational effectiveness assessments of internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls for CEO/CFO Certification (“C3”) Compliance.
• Support a risk-based approach to rolling out C3 programs to applicable/newly acquired business functions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance the C3 program, providing recommendations to the C3 Steering Committee.

What You’ll Bring:

• Results-oriented high performer.
• Personable, engaging, and a relationship builder.
• Proactive, organized, and deadline-driven.
• Superior communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently in routine and non-routine environments.
• Strong project management skills.
• Audit and/or process review and enhancement experience (financial and/or operational).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Information Technology/SAP knowledge is an asset.
• Willingness to travel out of town (approximately 10–15%).
• CPA, CA required; CIA and CISA designations are an advantage.
• 10+ years of experience in audit/assurance, ideally in large, public organizations with experience interacting with executive audiences.

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.

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.