Lead Advisor, Strategic Policy

 Reference Number : 1344 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : 102 816 - 120 960

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 06/26/2026

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

The Lead Advisor, Strategic Policy plays a key role within the project office by supporting the development of strategic policy analysis, corporate strategic initiatives, and government relations activities related to the high-speed rail project and the evolution of passenger rail services in Canada.

The incumbent supports the Director Specialist by coordinating strategic analysis, preparing executive materials, and facilitating institutional engagement with Transport Canada and other Government of Canada partners. This role contributes to effectively positioning VIA Rail within a complex public policy environment involving multiple federal organizations, Crown corporations, and industry stakeholders.

The position is also part of a small team responsible for integrating information and analysis across VIA Rail in preparation for the evolution of corridor services. In this capacity, the incumbent helps coordinate inputs from various internal functions, including operations, finance, legal, human resources, corporate affairs, and strategy, to develop integrated analyses and strategic advice that will inform future Government of Canada decisions regarding the structure, timing, and implementation of the evolution of corridor services.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the individual demonstrates a high degree of professional judgment, analytical rigor, and autonomy in a fast-paced and evolving environment characterized by complex policy considerations, interorganizational coordination, and governance of major infrastructure projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Policy Analysis and Advisory:

• Lead analytical work related to policies, governance, and strategic issues affecting the project;
• Conduct strategic policy analyses on complex issues impacting the project’s development and the evolution of passenger rail services in Canada;
• Provide advice and recommendations to the Director Specialist responsible and to senior management on policy development, risks, and strategic considerations;
• Lead the development of integrated analyses related to the evolution of corridor services, including operational, financial, governance, and workforce considerations;
• Identify emerging political, regulatory, and economic issues affecting VIA Rail and the project;
• Develop strategic options and analyses to support executive decision-making and project governance discussions.

Corporate Strategy and Executive Support:

• Support the development of corporate strategy and strategic positioning related to VIA Rail’s role in the initiative and the broader passenger rail ecosystem;
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, strategic analyses, and executive materials for VIA Rail leadership;
• Contribute to the development of corporate strategy and organizational positioning related to major infrastructure initiatives;
• Support the preparation of materials for senior management discussions with government stakeholders and external partners;
• Synthesize complex information from multiple sources to inform strategic decision-making.

Project Governance and Organizational Integration:

• Support governance processes and coordination mechanisms related to the project and its major structures, including the integration of analysis across the organization in preparation for the potential evolution of corridor services;
• Contribute to governance discussions, working groups, and coordination mechanisms with partners;
• Coordinate inputs from multiple VIA Rail business units, including operations, finance, legal, human resources, and corporate affairs;
• Integrate information and analysis from across the organization into coherent strategic deliverables that support executive decision-making;
• Support the development of integrated analyses to inform Government of Canada decisions regarding the evolution and long-term structure of passenger rail services.

Environmental Analysis and Strategic Monitoring:

• Monitor developments affecting passenger rail transportation, high-speed rail initiatives, and transportation infrastructure policies in Canada and internationally;
• Conduct environmental analyses related to policies, infrastructure investments, and governance models in the transportation sector;
• Identify emerging trends and best practices relevant to VIA Rail’s strategic positioning;
• Prepare analytical summaries and briefings for senior management;
• Maintain ongoing monitoring of developments affecting the project and the broader passenger rail environment.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead a team of analysts and policy advisors supporting strategic development, government relations, and corporate strategy related to the project;
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to team members in the execution of analytical and strategic work;
• Set priorities, assign work, and monitor progress to ensure timely delivery of high-quality results;
• Participate in performance management activities, including goal setting, coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations;
• Support employee development, training, and succession planning within the team;
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment aligned with VIA Rail’s organizational values and objectives.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

• Hold a university degree in a relevant field;
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience;
• Demonstrate a strong sense of ethics and professionalism;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work efficiently, with a strong sense of responsibility and excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Excellent judgment;
• Ability to make recommendations based on rigorous analysis, taking into account the organization’s business context;
• Ability to work well in a team, under pressure, and adapt to changing conditions;
• Bilingualism (French and English), both spoken and written;
• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Work together: Demonstrate a high level of motivation and strong team spirit. Proven ability to build positive relationships, both internally and externally.
• Strive for excellence: Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and versatility. Show commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Drive results: Ability to manage priorities effectively.

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

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