General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

A Sustainable, Forward Thinking Protein Company

Maple Leaf Foods announced that it will be separating into two independent public companies. The new Pork Company; Canada Packers will be unleashed as a world leading organization producing sustainable meats. This will provide both businesses with a sharper focus to execute their own growth strategy and both are committed to best-in-class strategies.

Canada Packers will be a leader in sustainability produced, premium quality and value-added products. Canada Packers is building its leadership team, and this is an exciting opportunity to join a premium company that is unlocking significant growth potential.

Our job is to make great food.

The Pork Company will embrace Maple Leaf Foods strong values-based culture, where our people are deeply engaged in work that is purposeful, fast-paced, and challenging. We cultivate an open, non-bureaucratic and inclusive workplace that fosters safety and transparency, along with individual leadership and accountability. Each team member has a voice and plays an active role in helping all of us achieve our goals with passion and discipline. We support one another to grow professionally, to learn new skills and to take on challenging experiences in the spirit of continuous improvement.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will play a crucial role in maintaining the company's integrity, reputation, and operational efficiency. To safeguard Canada Packers legal interests, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance. Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by May 07. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

A snapshot of some of the exciting things you will lead and do:

• Legal Advisory: Provide expert legal advice to the executive team and board of directors on a wide range of legal issues, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
• Contract Management: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including supplier contracts, customer agreements, and employment contracts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including food safety standards, environmental regulations, and labor laws.
• Litigation Management: Oversee and manage all litigation and dispute resolution matters, working with external counsel as necessary.
• Corporate Governance: Support the board of directors in governance matters, including preparing board materials, minutes, and resolutions.
• Policy Development: Develop and implement legal policies and procedures to ensure best practices and mitigate risks.
• Government Affairs: Represent the company in interactions with government agencies and regulatory bodies, advocating for the company's interests.
• Training and Education: Provide training to employees on legal and regulatory matters to ensure compliance and awareness.

What we have to offer you:

• 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.

What you will bring:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the state bar.
• Minimum of 7 - 10 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in a corporate legal department, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, environmental laws, and labor laws.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal matters and provide strategic legal advice.
• Experience in managing corporate governance and compliance programs.
• Ability to work effectively with board, senior management and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in government affairs and regulatory advocacy.
• Familiarity with international trade laws and regulations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

About Us:

On July 9th, 2024, Maple Leaf Foods announced a plan to unlock significant value by separating into two independent public companies, each primed for growth and positioned to be a leader in its field. Maple Leaf Foods will continue to pursue its vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth, now as a more focused, brand-led consumer packaged goods company that will meet the world’s growing need for sustainably produced protein. By spinning off its pork business, the name of which will be announced in the coming months, Maple Leaf Foods will unlock significant growth potential by unleashing a world-leading organization which produces sustainable meat the right way and can fully take advantage of its own unique business model to unlock its own significant growth potential.

The Maple Leaf pork business is already a leader in sustainably produced, premium quality, value-added pork products, is among North America’s largest producers of Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA) pork and is a key supplier of RWA and conventional pork products to customers in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. Canada Packers is well positioned to unlock the significant growth potential of its business by investing in both organic and inorganic opportunities, including increasing volumes, optimizing operations and efficiencies, and building on its industry-leading sales mix and margins.

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.