Senior Advisor, Operational Risk Management

 Reference Number : 584 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate :  $100,000 - $125,000

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. 

Reporting to the Director, Risk Management, the Senior Advisor, Operational Risk Management will be responsible for overseeing, managing, and continuously improving the operational risk management program within the organization. As an expert, he/she will develop and implement frameworks and strategies to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate operational risks across various business functions. He/she will also be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the risk management programs and mitigation strategies and report the results to senior management. He/she will collaborate with key stakeholders to integrate risk management into operational processes and promote a culture and awareness of risk management.

Operational Risk Management Program - Policy Development and compliance

• Manage the overall operational risk management program, policies and procedures in alignment with applicable regulatory requirements and industry best management practices, recommend and  implement changes for continuous improvement.

• Working with internal subject matter experts, develop, implement, and maintain specific risk management programs and methodologies required by regulations and best management practices (health, safety, security, environment, climate resilience, cybersecurity, engineering, regulatory, etc.)

• Supervise and guide the implementation of risk management activities across the organization, integrating them into day-to-day business activities and decision-making processes.

• Develop and deliver training on the operational risk management program and on the development of risk assessors.

• Engage with key stakeholders across the organization to promote a strong risk culture and awareness.

Risk Identification, Monitoring and Governance

• Responsible for coordinating the activities related to the operational risk management program. Act as a subject matter expert.

• Work with business units to identify and assess risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and monitor risk exposures for risks associated with the business activities.

• Support the development and maintenance of risk governance frameworks, including risk appetite and tolerance levels.

• Establish key risk indicators (KRIs) and metrics, perform qualitative and quantitative analysis, scenario planning, and historical data analyses and monitor operational risk exposures.

• Participate in risk committees and forums to provide insights and recommendations on operational risk matters.

• Report on the status of operational risks and escalate issues as required to senior management and relevant committees.

Risk Assessments and Response

• Lead risk assessments workshops and to identify and assess risks associated with activities, operational changes, new initiatives and projects.

• Support and advise risk owners in the identification, development and implementation of effective risk mitigation strategies, controls, and recovery measures to reduce the likelihood and impact as per the risk appetite framework and set tolerances.

• Communicate risk assessments and corrective action plans.

• Support the business units during operational risk events.

• Support the updating of crisis management and business continuity plans and in carrying out various related activities.

Oversight and Continuous improvement

• Participate in root cause analyses for risk tolerance breaches related to operational events.

• Plan and conduct internal audit on the design and effectiveness of risk management processes and practices as well as the performance and effectiveness of mitigation measures, controls and recovery measures.

• Prepare reports including recommendations for improvement and provide updates to senior management.

Qualifications:

• Hold a university degree in risk management, engineering, business administration, safety or environmental management, or a related field.

• Proven experience (8 to 10 years) in operational risk management or in a similar role within a company of comparable size and scope.

• Strong understanding of operational risk management concepts, methodologies, and frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000).

• In-depth knowledge and experience with various risk assessment methods (e.g., quantitative analysis, FMEA, HAZOP, LOPA, Bow Tie, and Event Tree, quantitative methods such as simulations or statistics, etc.).

• Certification in risk management and auditor certification (an asset).

• Knowledge of regulations applicable to specific risk management programs (e.g., safety, environment, cybersecurity, etc.) and recognized approaches or standards for management systems (an asset).

• Excellent written and verbal proficiency in both official languages (English/French).

• Proficiency in risk management/assessment tools and software systems (knowledge of quantitative analysis tools).

• Must be willing to undertake occasional travel.

• The ideal candidate should possess strong business acumen, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, a commitment to continuous learning, technical proficiency, analytical and communication skills, leadership qualities, and effective time management.

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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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