Group Director, Manufacturing

The OpportunityThe Group Director, Manufacturing is responsible for leading the manufacturing operations across multiple facilities, with a focus on driving operational excellence, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. This executive-level position will oversee day-to-day business operations, including the development and implementation of strategic manufacturing and operational plans, policies, and procedures that align with Maple Leaf Foods’ forward-thinking vision, mission, and values. Responsibilities Oversee the entire manufacturing process across Maple Leaf Foods’ processing facilities, led by Site Leaders and Plant Managers across the network. Develop and implement a robust manufacturing plan aligned to Maple Leaf Foods’ operational vision, strategies, policies, programs, and processes. Create and inspire vision and strategy for the business, considering global macro-economic trends and opportunities in Canadian and international markets. Implement consistent manufacturing standards and approaches to ensure compliance with industry best practices and customer requirements, including Good Manufacturing Practices and HACCP. Strategize on capacity planning and resource optimization to meet resourcing, labour, and material planning requirements. Provide professional leadership across the organization to ensure consistent standards of performance. Liaise with industry advocates, union representatives, elected officials, and the community. Identify and implement new processes, technologies, and systems—including digital solutions and automation—to improve efficiency and resource use. Monitor financial performance by developing cost-saving initiatives and using KPI insights to improve processes. Ensure employee health and safety and food quality are at industry-leading levels by partnering with Health & Safety, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, and Sustainability functions. Engage teams to build a cohesive, high-performing culture with health and safety and food safety as top priorities. Work with Maple Leaf Foods leadership to gain support for strategy and growth initiatives. Leverage Maple Leaf Foods’ Leadership Values to cultivate a learning culture through feedback, coaching, and development opportunities. What You’ll Bring Significant senior-level experience in manufacturing, ideally within the food industry or CPG. Experience overseeing multiple plants concurrently, including leadership of Plant Managers or Site Leaders. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred. Strong commercial/business acumen with exceptional analytical capabilities. Understanding of yields, labour, and costing, and how it affects operations. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to collaborate across functions and levels to solve problems and execute to deliver objectives. Experience driving staffing and technological improvements to build world-class manufacturing sites and teams. Excellent presentation and communication skills; ability to navigate complex situations. Willingness to work across time zones and travel as required. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office; SAP experience is an asset. What We Offer at Maple Leaf Foods Being part of a high-performance, people-focused company with a vision to become the most sustainable protein company on earth. Inclusive culture with a safe work environment that rewards excellence and enables learning. Competitive Health and Wellness benefits, including mental health programs, starting on your first day. Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching starting on day one. Learning and development opportunities, including workshops and speaker series. Tuition reimbursement for eligible degrees, diplomas, certifications, or trades programs. Volunteer days to support community impact. 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. We care about our communities and commit to reducing food insecurity in Canada. We’re passionate about food. For more than 100 years, we’ve made delicious, healthy protein under brands like Maple Leaf, Schneiders, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co. We operate in 20+ locations in Canada, with sites in the U.S. and Mexico, and business in Asia. We are carbon neutral. We are one of the few food companies in Canada with science-based targets. Championing diversity and inclusion is a critical component of our purpose and leadership values. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process. Disclaimer: Salaries posted on third-party sites are not a reflection of Maple Leaf Foods salaries; our total rewards package will be discussed during an interview. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be subject to a background check and must meet security criteria for the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr