MT Program - FAQs

What skill sets/qualities are you looking for?

Maple Leaf is looking for highly motivated, well-rounded individuals who can demonstrate their potential to assume leadership within Maple Leaf Foods. These individuals must fit with our leadership values, which define our company culture.

Who is eligible?

For the MT Program, we target university students who are completing their studies or who have graduated in the last 2 years. The program commonly attracts business and commerce students but we are open to all areas of study.

What is the starting salary?

Maple Leaf offers a compensation package competitive with companies recruiting at the university level. In keeping with our company’s performance oriented culture, salary increases are awarded during the program based on performance with the opportunity for significant increases with outstanding performance.

Is there opportunity to move around?

Management Trainees are located throughout North America, coast to coast. MTs should be geographically mobile during the program to take advantage of the best opportunity available, whether it is in Vancouver or Chicago, Winnipeg or Toronto.

Does Maple Leaf have a Work-Life balance policy?

Maple Leaf is a high-paced, performance-oriented organization. Although we work hard, we also believe strongly that a balance between time spent in and out of work is essential for all employees. As a company, we do not have a prescribed policy but believe work-life balance means different things to different people and allows each person to responsibly manage their time.

What is Maple Leaf’s dress code?

Maple Leaf’s dress is business casual.

Can I switch between the General Management and Functional Specialization?

It is important for each candidate to choose which stream to follow at the beginning of the MT Program because each track has a different focus and designed to fast-track your career in that area. We generally do not allow switching between streams but we will work with you to develop and fulfill your career plan.

What support is there for MTs?

Management Trainees are provided a set of resources to support your development and career growth.

1. Each MT receives an assigned mentor from the senior level of management. A mentor will not only help you develop a career path, but also assist you through the sometimes confusing structure of the corporate world.
2. Each MT is also assigned a buddy, a senior MT who is available for advice and can help you navigate through many of the common challenges faced by new MTs. This buddy is assigned before the MT starts working and checks in with the MT throughout the first year.
3. The MT’s manager and work team will support the MT as he/she settles into their rotation and learns a new aspect of the business.
4. The MT Program manager is also available for guidance, advice and general coaching on any aspect of the MT’s experience.
5. The Human Resources group is also available to each MT throughout the program.

What development does an MT get?

The focus of the MT program is on-the-job learning. Studies show that most learning is accomplished when the individual is doing the work. To complement this learning, MTs have 2 to 3 training sessions per year on leadership development. There is additional training in job-required skills and also Six Sigma.

Do I have input into my next position?

Future placements, targeted towards optimal MT development, are determined mutually with assistance from your mentor, Human Resources, and the Program Manager. The MT’s performance also plays a role in determining future placements.

What responsibilities will be assigned to me as a new Management Trainee?

The specific responsibilities of an MT will differ between work placements. All roles have a high level of responsibility.

What happens after I complete the program?

Successful graduates move into dynamic leadership roles. Upon completion of the program, discussions among the MT, mentor, HR and the program manager are the basis for identifying a long-term leadership position within Maple Leaf Foods that best fits the MT and their career aspirations. A successful track record in all rotations is the ticket to successfully landing your desired graduate role.