Senior Advisor, Benefits Realization Management

 Reference Number : 1168 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $ 91 506 -  $113 037

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 02/10/2026

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. 

We are seeking a Senior Advisor, Benefits Realization Management, recognized for close collaboration with teams and stakeholders, a concrete and pragmatic approach, and an ability to drive the practical application of solutions in the field. This individual values action and direct support, ensuring that the proposed methodological framework and processes are truly applied and generate measurable value for the organization.

In this key role, the selected candidate will be responsible for guiding the organization and implementing a structured framework to ensure that projects, programs, and portfolios deliver the intended strategic value. The focus will be on identifying, tracking, and maximizing both tangible and intangible benefits after delivery. This position serves as a bridge between strategy and execution, requiring strong skills in governance, risk management, and performance measurement.

The Advisor acts as a strategic partner, providing specialized support to projects, programs, portfolio owners, business owners, benefit owners, and executive sponsors. By ensuring that benefits are clearly defined, aligned with organizational objectives, and effectively realized, this role directly contributes to maximizing return on investment and fostering a sustainable, value‑driven culture.

Responsabilities:

• Lead the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of VIA Rail’s benefits‑management frameworks, processes, and practices;
• Maintain up‑to‑date benefits‑realization plans at the portfolio, program, and enterprise levels;
• Facilitate alignment on the benefits management strategy, benefits realization plans, and benefit profiles;
• Support the development of benefits maps through discovery workshops with stakeholders;
• Ensure that benefits are clearly defined, measurable, and aligned with organizational objectives;
• Collaborate with Finance to define eligibility rules and establish standardized measures;
• Develop standardized progress‑reporting practices for executive dashboards and periodic reviews;
• Create training materials, templates, guides, and documentation to promote the application of the framework and best practices;
• Act as a strategic partner to project and program teams, portfolio owners, business owners, benefit owners, and sponsors;
• Work with business owners to identify and leverage emerging benefits throughout the project lifecycle;
• Collaborate to minimize disadvantages and assess the impact of change requests on benefit realization;
• Provide coaching and support to stakeholders in benefits‑management practices;
• Develop and track value‑added indicators to measure benefits‑realization performance;
• Consolidate and analyze data for executive reporting;
• Coordinate and support the production of reports for the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors;
• Ensure compliance with governance principles and standards;
• Conduct internal audits to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement;
• Promote a culture focused on value delivery and continuous improvement;
• Contribute to the development of the benefits‑management community of practice;
• Propose, prepare, and coordinate communication materials and discussion forums;
• Participate actively in training activities and knowledge‑sharing initiatives;
• Monitor best practices and emerging trends to adapt and innovate within VIA Rail’s context.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, finance, or another relevant field. Additional training or a master’s degree in project management is considered an asset;
• Ten to fifteen years of relevant experience in project, program, and/or portfolio management, with a strong focus on benefits realization;
• Experience in developing, deploying, and continuously improving business processes, as well as supporting change management;
• In‑depth knowledge of benefits‑management frameworks and the PMI framework;
• Proven ability to collaborate with Finance and senior stakeholders to track, validate, and report benefits;
• Experience and knowledge of project‑management tools such as SharePoint Online and Project Online;
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Word, and Outlook;
• PMP certification is an asset;
• APMG International Managing Benefits certification is an asset;
• Strong planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to produce clear and concise reports and presentations for diverse audiences;
• Results‑driven and motivated by the mission;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English;
• Discipline, attention to quality, teamwork mindset, and a desire to contribute to project success;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with teams and internal clients;
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and ensure their engagement;
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple activities simultaneously;
• Creative and resourceful in problem‑solving;
• Ability to clarify complex or ambiguous situations;
• Quick adaptability to change.

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!