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The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications, the Director, Communications will be responsible for driving 360 degree communications programs, with a priority on telling the story of Maple Leaf Foods’ vision, purpose and sustainability priorities to key external and internal stakeholders.  You  will build and manage strategic partnerships with media and agency partners, uphold the reputation of Maple Leaf Foods and proactively deliver meaningful communications to various audiences including consumers and customers through strategic public relations campaigns. The candidate will have one direct report – Communications Coordinator – and will be responsible for managing and delegating responsibilities to this individual.

You will possess strong internal communications experience and have the ability to effectively communicate and engage with Maple Leaf Foods’ team of more than 13,000 across 25+ facilities throughout North America. You will work cross functionally and build strong working relationships with key subject matter experts demonstrating leadership to effectively implement strategic internal communications programs that will drive engagement among Maple Leaf Foods’ team members.

You will successfully develop and project manage a variety of communications campaigns, overseeing and managing the budget for the programs, including sustainability and employee communications. You will also create meaningful and relevant content with internal audiences that will inform and raise awareness to key organizational strategies and priorities.

To be successful, you will demonstrate  the ability to balance strategic thinking, functional knowledge of the business and manage multiple stakeholders, with the ongoing demands of leading, planning and executing key deliverables on a timely basis, and managing the budget in a fast-paced setting.

This role demands a combination of superior writing, strategic thinking, planning, leadership skills, a track record of flawless execution and delivery with an exceptional understanding of public affairs, media relations and internal communications.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by March 18. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Manage external media and agency partners in developing campaigns for a variety of MLF initiatives (e.g. sustainability communications, recruitment campaigns, etc.). This accountability includes creation of project execution plans, development of communications materials, budget management and ensuring the successful execution of key deliverables.
• Oversee contract management and relationship with Maple Leaf Foods’ key corporate communications vendors. Negotiate competitive contracts with vendors ensuring cost savings and ensure services provided accurately meet the needs of the department (e.g. multimedia distribution and video production services, daily media monitoring services and news release wire distribution services, etc). 
• Provide strategic communications and material support to MLF senior leaders for business engagements, including media analysis, briefing documents, memos and slide deck content.
• Support senior level communications team members in crisis and issues management situations, including development of proactive and reactive strategies that support media and consumer engagement.
• End-to-end flawless event management (including event budget management) of high-priority corporate events including hybrid (in-person and virtual) Annual General Meeting, press conferences, internal Town Hall events, and employee engagement events.
• Manage and support internal communications within the Maple Leaf Foods organization to enhance team members’ awareness and understanding of corporate priorities and initiatives.
• Develop and execute highly confidential change management projects within the organization with thoughtful communication plans and consultation to support cross-functional teams throughout their change needs. Experience in facility closures, acquisitions, organizational changes and program adaptations is a must.
• Create a strong communication bridge from corporate office to hourly team members across 25+ plants across North America, ensuring awareness of corporate initiatives and consistency of messaging and tone.
• Primary communications partner for the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security. Develop engaging internal communications programs that educate and engage organization’s 13,500 team members.

What You’ll Bring:

• Progressive and Director level experience in external and/or internal communications, or experience leading communications in a related fields.
• Superior writing, editing and content production skills
• A strong team player, mentor and coach to cross-functional team members with well developed “people interaction” skillset
• Must be proactive and performance driven, have a basis for action and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to lead and coach others
• Ability to build mutually beneficial relationships
• Proven ability to handle multiple priorities
• Excellent judgement and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to understand complex business information and simplify into engaging, meaningful and relevant content
• Excellent project management skills and superior attention to detail. Ability to manage and deliver on multiple projects and competing priorities
• Self-confidence to work independently, with self-awareness to seek coaching, support and advice

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.
• A hybrid work model that embraces remote work for eligible roles, helping team members achieve work-life balance—combining the best of both spending time working remotely, benefitting from focus time, and purposeful collaboration in the office setting. 
• 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.