Project Lead – Strategic Execution & Lean Deployment Financial Dr

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.

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

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 life cycles, 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

• 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)

• 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…