Process Optimization Specialist

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Production Manager, you will lead improvements to manufacturing equipment and processes by evaluating products, workflows, and production methods to elevate efficiency and performance.

Snapshot Of a Day-in-the-Life

• Drive manufacturing process improvements to increase capacity, efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.
• Support product upgrades and new product development, including process layouts, documentation, and plant-level trial coordination.
• Partner closely with Operations and R&D to validate processes, ensure quality expectations are met, and maintain accurate BOMs.
• Contribute to capital projects through cost-benefit analysis, equipment selection, vendor coordination, FAT, and commissioning.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma tools to reduce waste and streamline operations.
• Conduct and review safety risk assessments, PSHSRs, and equipment design evaluations while overseeing contractors and safety tasks.
• Champion ergonomic and process design improvements that enhance equipment performance and reduce MTTR.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs, breakdown analysis, and recurrence prevention.
• Develop and maintain standardized process documentation, visual management tools, and production performance standards.
• Promote and uphold food safety, quality, and health & safety requirements across all improvement initiatives

What You’ll Bring

• College or university education in Engineering or an Engineering Technologist Diploma (mechanical, industrial, or electrical).
• 3–5 years of engineering experience, preferably within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
• Professional engineering designation is an asset.
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in MS Office and AutoCAD, with solid to advanced spreadsheet capabilities, complemented by strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and passionate individual with a high sense of urgency who thrives on managing diverse tasks and consistently delivering results across multiple priorities.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing principles.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively within team dynamics.

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.

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

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.