Interested in joining Canada’s largest poultry processor? At Maple Lodge Farms, we’re not only passionate about our chickens, but our people, too. We operate to the latest in technological, health and safety, and quality standards. With rapid expansion over the years, and continued innovation and investment in growth, we’re looking for committed, team players to join the Maple Lodge family. As a proudly family-owned Canadian company, we’re passionate about what we do. If you’re a committed team player, we would love to have you as part of our team.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Catching, Live Haul and Grower Services and Live Science and Analytics the Director, Grower Services will lead the Grower Services team through design and full execution of the strategic elements that create a preference of growers for Maple Lodge Farms, delivering high quality birds for slaughter to Maple Lodge Farms. Building and maintaining relationships with growers while developing programs that are data-driven, measurable, relevant and relationship focused.

What's in it for you?

• Health benefits and pension plan
• Weekly pay
• Discount at our Chicken Shop
• Opportunities for career advancement
• A culture that values humility, a respect for family and hard work

What you will be doing:

• Accountable for the design of the strategic and executional elements of a grower service program that supports creating preference of broiler farmers for Maple Lodge Farms with a goal of continually improving the quality and consistency of chickens from farm to plant. This includes grower, feed company and other industry stakeholder strategies.
• Accountable for the financial planning, execution and reporting of the department, including the grower incentive package, grower claims and accounts receivable for chick purchases
• Accountable for contracting of farmers to achieve our market share sign-up allocation, and the sales and service of Maple Lodge Farms Hatcheries chicks
• Responsible for broiler grower communications supporting the live schedule of birds coming to plant for processing and achievement of bird size targets as established by MLF.
• Accountable for the planning and execution of the procurement of all hens to meet Maple Lodge Farms requirements
• Works with Industry Associations as directed by the Senior Director of Catching, Live Haul and Grower Services and Live Supply Science and Analytics
• Provides overall management of a team or business area and includes management of individuals indirectly through subordinate supervisors or managers.
• Establish goals and priorities and manage the activities and work of subordinates. Evaluate their performance by providing feedback to ensure that all work is carried out in an efficient manner and in accordance with individual set targets.
• Develop team capabilities through continued on-the-job and formal training opportunities and coaching.
• Prepare, recommend and manage a budget for the direct area of responsibility by conducting analysis and preparing data to support requested budget.
• Monitor the financial performance of area of responsibility against approved budget so that areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified and rectified promptly and potential performance improvement opportunities are capitalized on.

What you will bring:

• Minimum seven to ten years of experience in poultry procurement, feed industry, or animal agriculture required, including a minimum of five years in a people management role.
• Post Secondary Diploma in a related field required.
• Working knowledge of Canadian Supply Management System.
• Analytical, with problem-identification and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work / excel in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and effective multi-tasking is essential.
• Demonstrated success in building strong, collaborative teams, setting stretch objectives, and holding people accountable for commitments with a track record of delivery of favorable results.
• Knowledge of process improvement tools.
• General Computer Skills (e.g. MS Office).

Maple Lodge Farms was established in 1955. We are the largest chicken processor in Canada, and we remain family owned. The principles that guided us from our humble beginnings, when Lawrence May sold eggs door-to-door, are the same principles that guide us today: hard work, agricultural wisdom and family values. We are creating a sustainable future by providing healthy, wholesome, best quality chicken products with a focus on the humane treatment of animals, the responsible use of resources and the positive development of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check.

In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2003, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants are required to make their needs known in advance.

We thank all applicants for applying, however, only those chosen will be contacted by our Talent Acquisition Team.