Job Description

The Opportunity:

As a member of the Sustainability team, the Senior Specialist will focus on advancing Maple Leaf Foods environmental sustainability initiatives by assisting decarbonization strategies, resource efficiency efforts, and integration and commercialization of sustainability practices. The Senior Specialist will be involved in preparing key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures, monitoring regulatory trends, and ensuring alignment with global reporting standards. Other responsibilities include managing ESG ratings, responding to stakeholder queries, and developing engaging content for reports, presentations, and digital platforms. Additionally, the role supports administrative tasks including, grant applications and submissions, invoicing and budget management.

Any MLF team member interested in being considered for this role are encouraged to apply online by July 04. Applications received beyond that date are not guaranteed consideration.

Snapshot of a Day-in-the-Life:

• Support and advance execution of environmental priorities including a comprehensive Scope 1-3 decarbonization roadmap and waste, energy, and water manufacturing sustainability plans in collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Advance MLF Sustainability goals while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare the environmentally focused content of MLF s annual Integrated Report and other public disclosure-related reports (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, SDGs, CDP, etc.) and support broader data collection and validation needs to assure compliance with relevant regulations and reporting standards.
• Monitor emerging trends and regulatory developments to ensure proactive compliance.  Remain current on Sustainability trends and best practices and cascade learnings to leadership and peers for continuous improvement efforts.  Seek stakeholder (internal and external) feedback to inform critical ESG disclosure priorities, alignment, and delivery timelines.
• Review and validate MLF s ESG rating assessments (e.g. MSCI, Sustainalytics, ISS, Coller FAIRR, etc.) and engage with rating agencies.
• Serve as a point of contact for customer or supplier ESG-related queries, surveys, request-for-data, etc.
• Create presentations and promotional materials for internal teams, conferences, and customer meetings.
• Partner with commercial and brand teams to bring sustainability to life across consumer touchpoints - translating goals into meaningful activations that resonate in-store and online.
• Self-initiate new projects through research, collaboration, opportunity identification, assessments, and an understanding of our sustainability priorities and commitments.
• Support programs that embed sustainability into the organization to help build a culture of sustainability across the business and demonstrate the connection between our sustainability performance and internal teams like procurement, sales, marketing, communications, and operations. 
• Build educational materials and deliver internal awareness programs to embed sustainability across all functions, including procurement, sales, marketing, communications, and operations.
• Actively participate in industry committees and working groups, representing MLF s sustainability interests
• Assist with writing or formatting external grant applications or incentive submissions
• Support administrative and operational activities, including managing invoices, accruals, and PO creation.

What You ll Bring:

• Post-secondary degree in sustainability, marketing, or business a Master s degree is an asset.
• 3+ years experience delivering corporate sustainability solutions and programs
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated success in developing and executing environmental sustainability programs and initiatives
• Collaborative, with a proven ability to build trust and work cross-functionally to influence change.
• Knowledge of sustainability reporting and assurance frameworks (e.g., SASB, TCFD, SDGs, GRI, IIRC, MCSI, CDP, etc.)
• Well-versed in emerging  Canadian and global sustainability regulations, standards and trends
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex sustainability concepts into engaging, audience-specific content.
• Highly organized and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence to navigate ambiguity and work independently; self-driven
• Proven ability to enable and motivate teams to maximize their capabilities
• Influencer with strong analytical skills, detail-oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills at all levels of the organization
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical capabilities, using both qualitative and quantitative data to shape decisions and communicate insights
• Sound understanding of corporate sustainability risks across various sectors

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.