Project Lead – Strategic Execution & Lean Deployment

Maple Leaf Foods Inc.; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food company in Canada seeks an experienced Project Lead to oversee Lean Manufacturing deployment and manage strategic projects across the organization. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of project management experience, strong organizational skills, and a proven ability to lead complex initiatives. This role offers high visibility and the opportunity to directly influence major operational transformations.

Benefits

Competitive Health and Wellness benefits

Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Demonstrated experience with operational transformation or manufacturing projects.
• Solid command of project management methodologies and tools.

Responsibilities

• Support Lean Manufacturing Deployment across multiple sites.
• Establish governance processes throughout project lifecycle.
• Translate business needs into actionable project plans.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Risk Management

Change Management

Stakeholder Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

PMP Certification

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

The Opportunity:

Maple Leaf Foods is advancing several enterprise-wide strategic initiatives designed to strengthen performance, streamline operations, and build an agile, future-ready organization. As part of this transformation, we are seeking an experienced Project Lead who thrives in complex environments and brings structure, clarity, and disciplined execution to high-impact initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead major cross‑functional projects of varying complexity and durations while influencing how we operate as an organization. While the successful candidate will eventually manage a portfolio of strategic projects, the first major area of focus will be to provide disciplined project management support to the deployment of Lean Manufacturing systems across our network – a critical priority that will require significant time, leadership presence, and cross‑functional alignment during the first year.

The successful candidate is a seasoned project manager with strong organization skills and will ensure a robust approach to project management processes throughout the project lifecycle. A strong understanding of work‑breakdown structures, stakeholder analysis, risk management, change management, and communications will be critical in successfully delivering on objectives.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role is encouraged to apply online by December 11. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

What You’ll Do:

Immediate Priority: Lean Manufacturing Deployment

For the first 12+ months, your primary focus will be delivering the disciplined execution required to successfully launch and roll out Lean Manufacturing across multiple sites. You will:

• Support planning, sequencing and readiness activities for Lean system deployment
• Partner closely with cross‑functional teams, site leadership, and external Lean partners
• Build and manage detailed project plans with clear milestones, roles, and accountabilities
• Participate in Deployment team activities as appropriate to advance plans
• Identify risks early, build mitigations, and drive rapid issue resolution
• Communicate progress clearly and regularly in step with PMO practices
• Ensure governance, controls, and adoption practices are firmly in place

Broader Role Accountabilities

Beyond Lean deployment, you will lead strategic enterprise projects that span manufacturing, commercial, and operational domains. Your responsibilities will include:

• Establish and enforce governance processes throughout the project lifecycle
• Managing end‑to‑end project lifecycles, from scoping to completion
• Translating business needs into actionable project plans reflective of strategic objectives
• Facilitating cross‑functional collaboration and alignment
• Driving strong communication and engagement across stakeholder groups
• Managing budgets and project financials in coordination with Finance, resource planning
• Tracking progress, reporting status updates, and escalating risks when necessary
• Ensuring project deliverables meet quality, compliance, and business standard
• Staying informed, applying and standardizing industry best practices across projects, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the growth of team capabilities

We’re Hoping You Bring:

• 5+ years of experience leading complex, multi‑stakeholder projects
• Demonstrated experience with operational transformation, manufacturing projects, or Lean/Continuous Improvement
• Solid command of project management tools, methodologies, and processes
• Strong relationship‑building and influence skills, with the ability to align diverse teams
• Exceptional communication skills and confidence interacting with all organizational levels
• Calm, structured approach to risk management and problem‑solving
• Proven ability to drive accountability, clarify roles, and enable teams to succeed
• Willingness and ability to travel to sites during planning and deployment
• PMP certification (preferred)

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Opportunity to lead one of Maple Leaf Foods’ most important early‑stage strategic initiatives
• Ability to shape how Lean Manufacturing becomes embedded across our operations
• High visibility with executives and senior leadership
• A chance to influence major organizational change and make a tangible impact

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 [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.