Master Planner

Reference Number : 586 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate :  $78000,00 - $91000,00

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 01/03/2025

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. 

VIA Rail's “Rolling Stock Projects” department is at the forefront of capital projects related to Rolling Stock. With a dedicated team of more than ten professionals and the collaboration of nearly a hundred experts, the department manages major Rolling Stock modernization projects, collectively representing investments of several hundred million dollars.

Are you a seasoned program planner looking for an exciting challenge in the dynamic field of Rolling Stock projects? Join VIA Rail's Corporate Project Management Office, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape the execution of high-impact projects that drive innovation and transformation in the rail industry.

Reporting to the Corporate Project Management Office (CPMO - Corporate PMO), you will be responsible for optimizing the planning of programs and projects, in line with the roadmap of the “Rolling Stock Projects” program, as well as the demand and capacity management.

• In collaboration with the Program Manager, take charge of program planning by coordinating the integration of project plans developed by project managers and project controllers into a master plan;
• Coordinate the review of the master plan with stakeholders. Apply best practices and act as an expert resource to Project Managers and Project Controllers. Develop, communicate and ensure consistency of critical path;
• Support relevant functional teams in the implementation of demand and capacity management, and ensure overall integrity through the use of best practices established by the CPMO and the use of the EPM (Project Online) solution deployed for this purpose;
• Prepares and maintains the master plan which integrates and organizes all internal and external program supplier schedules; 
• Maintains all key activities at the program management level and ensures consistent task relationships between all project plans and the master plan;
• Works in a complex project environment given the multitude of project plans required for the program;
• Leads work sessions with project managers and project controllers to develop and maintain a clear and reliable critical path;
• Monitors progress on the critical path and works with project managers to define mitigating actions;
• Provides visibility to the program management team on master plan progress and potential delays/obstacles;
• Constantly monitors the health (quality) of the master plan and project plans;
• Works with Project Managers and Project Controllers to improve and maintain the quality of project plans in accordance with best practices and planning standards;
• Collaborates with other Senior Planners to develop program and project planning standards for VIA Rail within the CPMO;
• Is the reference person in terms of integrated program capacity management;
• Establishes the overall resource plan based on the master plan, in collaboration with stakeholders;
• Identifies capacity gaps, adapts the plan if necessary, and makes recommendations;
• Collaborates with CPMO to establish processes, governance and methodology for program and project capacity management at VIA Rail.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 to 8 years experience in major project management or planning;
• Proven experience in strategic planning and integrated capacity management;
• PMP certification, an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in French and English;
• Autonomy and experience in managing several projects simultaneously;
• Expertise in MS Project and EPM (Enterprise Project Management) applications;
• Excel skills, to be able to model complex scenarios and plans;
• Ability to communicate complex issues to high-level decision-makers and executives;
• Ability to write and communicate in writing;
• Demonstrate leadership and autonomy;
• Ability to lead teams;
• Establish a common vision, clear direction and well-defined priorities.

#VIAP1

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.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!