Director, Talent Development & DEI

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 approximately 10,000 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
• Intense Curiosity
• Our Accountability
• 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  View email address on jobs.smartrecruiters.com .

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.

We use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of our recruitment process. AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions are made by human reviewers.

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Job Description

The Opportunity:
As the Director, Talent Development & DEI, you will build the capability and culture that will carry Maple Leaf Foods forward. Reporting to the Vice President, Talent, you'll set the enterprise vision for learning, leadership development and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and lead the team that brings it to life.

You'll treat DEI and talent development as one connected strategy, creating an environment where diverse talent can grow, lead and succeed. You'll design learning and leadership programs that scale, align them with our Leadership Values, the Maple Leaf Blueprint and business priorities, and use data to show their impact. Working with HR Managers, business leaders and external partners, you'll strengthen the leadership pipeline, advance internal mobility and make inclusion part of how the business operates.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by October 28. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Reason for vacancy: Existing Headcount 

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Talent Development Strategy: Develop and execute an enterprise-wide talent development strategy, ensuring alignment across HR and functional teams.
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach and develop the Talent Development team, fostering collaboration across learning, leadership and DEI.
• DEI People Management: Manage and coach the Manager of DEI, ensuring achievement of key deliverables and team objectives.
• Program Oversight: Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of formal learning and development programs, Leadership Development and Development Action Plans (DAPs).
• Learning Needs Analysis: Conduct learning needs analyses to identify skill gaps and development opportunities across the organization.
• Curriculum Development: Design and develop engaging, effective training programs that cater to various learning styles and needs.
• Facilitation: Facilitate leadership development sessions, workshops and seminars to elevate organizational, leadership and functional competencies.
• Learning Technology: Leverage learning technologies and platforms to scale programs, enhance delivery and ensure accessibility for all team members.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration through formal and informal learning networks.
• DEI Programs and Initiatives: Lead the strategy and implementation of DEI programs and initiatives, focusing on education, awareness and process improvement.
• DEI Training: Deliver training programs that build awareness and develop individual change commitment.
• Engagement & Communications: Support internal DEI communication campaigns and materials, contributing to the employee education strategy.
• DEI Metrics & Reporting: Prepare DEI reports, identify key insights and trends, and make recommendations to inform program development.
• Succession Planning: Execute succession planning strategies to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Career Development: Establish progressive career management strategies and systems that foster internal mobility and career development.
• HR & Business Collaboration: Partner with HR Managers, business leaders and external partners to align talent development initiatives with organizational needs and sustain high-quality, inclusive programs.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness and impact of learning, leadership and DEI programs.
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Implement feedback mechanisms and stay ahead of industry trends and best practices to continuously improve programs and initiatives.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring:

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to develop and communicate a clear, compelling vision for talent development and DEI.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic and analytical skills to drive initiatives that align with business objectives.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization and engage diverse cultural groups.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written communication skills, including superior writing, proofreading and communication planning.
• Innovation: A creative mindset to develop and implement innovative programs and solutions.
• Program Management: Proven ability to manage complex projects and programs, including DEI-related initiatives, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.
• Coaching and Development: Passion for coaching and developing others, with a focus on building a diverse and inclusive talent development function.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a positive and resilient approach.
• Blueprint Alignment: Experience aligning talent development strategies with organizational goals, such as those outlined in the Maple Leaf Blueprint, to drive shared value for stakeholders.
• Career Development: Ability to establish progressive career management strategies and systems that foster internal mobility and effective career development.
• Commitment to DEI: Deep understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equity and inclusion principles.
• DEI Facilitation: Strong presentation skills to facilitate DEI training in small and large groups, virtually or in person.
• ERG Partnerships: Experience collaborating with and advocating for Employee Resource Group (ERG) integration into talent and business strategies.

Additional Information

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.