FSQA Director

The Opportunity The Director, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is accountable for the execution of the Food Safety, Quality and Technical Services long‑term strategy within Maple Leaf Foods (MLF) vision to Raise the Good in Food. The Director ensures the MLF Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) is adhered to and executed across several production facilities, driving continuous improvement in a fast‑paced and demanding environment. In addition, the Director supports the establishment and maintenance of positive, collaborative relationships with other functions, regulatory authorities, customers and external contacts. Applications received beyond February 10 are not guaranteed consideration. Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life Food Safety Lead, support and communicate the MLF FSQATS strategy, driving FSQ performance metrics targets. Guide teams to meet MLF’s standards within the FSQATS management system. Oversee compliance of the HACCP system to meet regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, etc.). Continuous improvement of FSQ programs to enable adherence to internal audit and BRC/SQF requirements. Manage pathogen control programs (EMP testing, Seek & Destroy activities, pathogen surveillance) with trend analysis in Prepared Meats facilities. Coach and educate teams on EMP Standards and SOP. Approve construction protocols at plant level that impact FSQ. Review and approve the Food Safety and Quality Risk Assessment during product development, both pre‑ and post‑Decision‑to‑Launch. Review and approve plant responses to SIP regulatory non‑conformances from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Collaborate with other Directors to share information, improve programs and ensure consistency across manufacturing facilities and distribution centres. Provide thought leadership to continuously improve the MLF FSQA Management System and its execution. Apply Six Sigma to reduce waste from the FSQA Management System. Provide strong leadership and support for manufacturing and the corporate FSQ team. Build strong relationships with other functions to enable positive engagement and results. Play an active role in new builds and redesign of current manufacturing processes to ensure Food Safety is built in during design. Quality Ensure adherence to the QMS standard and guide other functions. Enforce specifications and continuous improvement through QMS governance. Understand QMS thoroughly and conduct trend analysis of QMS performance (CQPs, CTQs, etc.) to identify process improvement opportunities.> Talent Development Develop FSQA personnel, including succession planning. Use the FSQA Competency Model to hire, coach, mentor and develop training. Guide training of hourly and salaried FSQA staff to ensure compliance with Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory requirements. Participate in short‑ and long‑term talent planning. Complete hiring waivers, salary reviews, performance assessments and action plans as required. External Customer Oversee plant BRC/SQF certification and compliance. Liaise with Sales to ensure delivery of Food Safety and Quality expectations (specifications, audits, etc.) for MLF programs and affected plants. Internal Contacts Regular interaction with internal customers, Sales and Marketing, Operations, the Operations Leadership Team, and Senior Leadership. Network with industry peers and regulatory agencies as needed. Work closely with corporate Operations leads to ensure compliance with programs.

Working Conditions

Presence at facilities on a routine basis; travel required across Western/Eastern Canada and Ontario. Hours may vary to meet plant schedules, including sanitation, pre‑operative inspection and all shifts of operation. Work independently with demonstrated self‑accountability and thought leadership. What You’ll Bring Proven project management experience with change management competency. 5‑10 years managing teams. Minimum of 10 years in a regulated food manufacturing industry. Minimum 5 years in Food Safety and Quality Management. Bachelor of Science in Meat Science, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Animal Science or related science degree (Applied science degrees considered with relevant experience). Six Sigma Black Belt or Level 2‑3 Six Sigma certified. Lean Manufacturing excellence understanding and participation. Experience in prepared food/meat processing. Required Proven Competencies Behavioral Requirements Demonstrated compliance with Maple Leaf Values. Work independently without day‑to‑day guidance. Resilience and perseverance in difficult situations. Team building and collaboration within the function and cross‑functionally. Communication Clear and concise communication in all forms. Ability to explain technical issues understandably. Effective communication with all organization levels and stakeholders. Problem Prevention/Solution Continuous improvement skills, especially through Six Sigma and Lean. Strong project management. Root cause analysis and sustainable preventive measures. Data‑driven prediction and prevention of problems. Concise risk assessment and reporting to stakeholders. Drive to prevention and prediction. Leadership Coaching, mentoring and directive skills. Influential leadership to drive others toward a common goal. Ability to develop and present action plans that secure commitment. Collaboration with peer FSQA Directors. Commitment and Teamwork Focused Hold self and others accountable to deliver on FSQMS, MLF programs, regulatory and customer requirements. Required Technical Skills Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). SAP‑QM, SAP‑RD required. Visio and Minitab proficiency an asset.

What We Offer

at Maple Leaf Foods High‑performance, people‑focused company committed to sustainability. Inclusive culture and safe work environment rewarding excellence. Competitive Health and Wellness benefits starting on day one. Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching starting on day one. Learning and development opportunities including workshops and speaker series. Comprehensive tuition reimbursement program. Up to two paid volunteer days annually.

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 protecting our planet. Join us on the journey. 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®, Schne®, and Greenfield Natural Meat Co® We’re on a journey to become the most sustainable protein company—on earth. We are carbon neutral. We are one of the only food companies in Canada to set science‑based targets. We are a global food company with more than 13,500 team members, operating sites in 20+ locations across Canada, with locations in the U. S. and Mexico, and doing business in Asia. 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. Values‑Based Culture 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 accommodations@mapleleaf.com. Disclaimer: Please note 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr