Manager, Leadership & Learning

The Institute for Performance and Learning; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 96,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer days

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Maple Leaf Foods seeks a strategic DEI leader to embed inclusion across the business, shaping high-performance culture. This role leads change, advices senior leaders, and integrates DEI into talent systems and governance.

The candidate will partner across HR, Talent, and ERGs, using data to drive priorities, and align initiatives with enterprise aims. This is a full-time, on-site role in Canada with a comprehensive rewards package.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in DEI, Talent, HR, or Organizational Development in a complex organization.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead without authority.
• Demonstrated success embedding DEI into business and talent strategies (not just standalone programs).
• Strong analytical and storytelling skills—comfortable using data to drive decisions.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills, including leading sensitive discussions.
• Experience working with ERGs, councils, and cross-functional teams.
• A balance of strategic thinking and execution excellence.
• High emotional intelligence, courage, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead DEI strategy execution by translating enterprise priorities into clear, measurable initiatives.
• Advise and influence leaders on inclusive leadership, equitable talent practices, and culture transformation.
• Embed DEI into talent systems by partnering across TA, Development, Engagement, and HRBPs.
• Leverage data and insights to identify gaps, track progress, and shape priorities.
• Partner with ERGs and councils to move from awareness to business-aligned outcomes.
• Design and facilitate learning experiences that build leader capability and drive behavior change.
• Drive accountability through governance, reporting, and integration into business processes.
• Lead complex initiatives with strong project and change management discipline.

Skills

Stakeholder influence

DEI strategy execution

Change management

Data storytelling

Facilitation

Cross-functional collaboration

ERGs collaboration

Executive presence

Job description

The Opportunity:

We are looking for a strategic and influential DEI leader to join Maple Leaf Foods and help shape a high-performing, inclusive culture across the organization.

This is not a program delivery role. This is an opportunity to lead change, influence leaders, and embed DEI into how we operate as a business.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount

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.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead DEI strategy execution by translating enterprise priorities into clear, measurable initiatives that drive impact across the organization
• Advise and influence leaders on inclusive leadership, equitable talent practices, and culture transformation
• Embed DEI into talent systems by partnering across Talent Acquisition, Development, Engagement, and HRBPs
• Leverage data and insights to identify gaps, track progress, and shape priorities
• Partner with ERGs and councils to move from awareness to meaningful, business-aligned outcomes
• Design and facilitate learning experiences that build leader capability and drive behavior change
• Drive accountability through governance, reporting, and integration into business and talent processes
• Lead complex initiatives with strong project and change management discipline

What You’ll Bring:

• Proven experience in DEI, Talent, HR, or Organizational Development in a complex organization
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead without authority
• Demonstrated success embedding DEI into business and talent strategies (not just standalone programs)
• Strong analytical and storytelling skills—comfortable using data to drive decisions
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills, including leading sensitive discussions
• Experience working with ERGs, councils, and cross-functional teams
• A balance of strategic thinking and execution excellence
• High emotional intelligence, courage, and sound judgment

What Sets You Apart:

• You move DEI from intent to impact
• You challenge constructively and build leader accountability
• You bring both credibility and pragmatism—turning strategy into action
• You are seen as a trusted advisor and change leader

Join us in building a more inclusive, high-performing workplace where everyone can thrive.

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’re a global food company with approximately 10,000 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.

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 [e-mail].

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.