Automation Manager Hamilton, ON 9/28/2026

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 96,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. in Hamilton, Ontario seeks an Automation Leader to shape the facility's automation strategy in a startup/production setting. You will plan manpower, disaster recovery, training, and budgets to drive equipment efficiency.

The role leads the automation team, oversees PLC/HMI/SCADA/MES/food safety compliance, and partners with suppliers to ensure continuous improvements and reliable operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering or an equivalent combination of education and progressive manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Engineering Change Control processes and Design Reviews.
• Experience with Level 2 control systems such as SCADA and MES.
• Experience implementing and integrating Robotics, instrumentation, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Automation Team to align with the Automation Strategy Plan.
• Support and backup plan for all plant Control and Automation systems (PLC, PC, HMI, MES, SCADA, Robotics).
• Develop and manage a change control system for PLC/HMI, electrical drawings, and related documents.
• Manage the Instrumentation program to meet FSQA, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Develop maintenance requirements for Controls systems and Reliability Maintenance Program.

Skills

Automation leadership

SCADA/MES integration

Robotics integration

Engineering Change Control

Team leadership

Data-driven decision making

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering

Tools

SCADA

MES

Job description

The Opportunity:

The Automation Leader is a key position within the Heritage facility whose responsibilities within a start-up and production environment will include developing the Automation strategy for the facility. That Automation strategy will include manpower resource planning, disaster recovery planning, production support, department training plan and departmental budget planning. The Automation Leader will play a key role in supporting the plant to improve equipment efficiency.

Compensation:$96,000 - $141,000 CAD base pay annually plus annual short-term incentive

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.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Lead and Support the Automation Team to align with Automation Strategy Plan.
• Support and Backup plan for all plant Control and Automation systems. Control and Automation systems including PLC, PC, HMI, MES, SCADA, Robotics and Building Automation.
• Develop and manage a change control system for PLC/HMI, Electrical Drawings and related documents.
• Manage the Instrumentation program to meet all facility FSQA, regulatory and operational requirements.
• Develop Predictive, Preventative and Proactive maintenance requirements for Controls related systems. Procedures and Practices to be implemented in Reliability Maintenance Program.
• Manage Vendors and Suppliers to establish strong collaborative relationships to ensure required service and support contracts are current.
• Develop and manage a Facility Controls and Electrical build standard in alignment with the Corporate Engineering standards.
• Work with Reliability Area Leaders to establish programs to mentor and develop Reliability support team to enhance knowledge and skills of Automated equipment.
• Competent to troubleshoot equipment in the plant locally or through VPN access when required. Mentor team members when required to work through and solve equipment controls related issues.
• Be comfortable with the Escalation procedure and understand the requirement of receiving after hours calls from time to time.
• Develop contingency support plan for all Automation Team members. Adequate knowledge transfer between all team members on plant equipment.
• Maintain equipment level network systems to align with Corporate IS protocols and requirements.
• Manage and support facility MES/SCADA systems.
• Maintain OEM support contact list and VPN connectivity.
• Shall demonstrate full commitment to the implementation of the requirements of the Global Standard for Food Safety and to processes which facilitate continual improvement of food safety and quality management.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering or a combination of 15 years of progressive manufacturing operations, equipment/system commissioning/verification knowledge and project execution.
• Experience in Engineering Change Control Process, and Design Reviews
• Experience in Level 2 Control Systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
• Experience in the implementation and integration of Robotics.
• Experience in the implementation, integration and calibration of instrumentation.
• Ability to solve complex problems within a dynamic working environment, providing training/project coaching, build excellence in teams, and motivate others to achieve results.
• Must be a data driven decision-maker who builds effective teams utilizing exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. A proven track record as an influential leader within an organization who can motivate others; demonstrates sound judgment, be adaptable and flexible.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven history in solving complex problems, business, analytical, information system, and computer skills.
• Knowledge of current safety standards and regulations.

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