Senior Advisor, Safety Governance & Compliance
MONTREAL, Quebec, CA, H3B 2C9
Reference Number : 1263
Status : Permanent - Full-time
Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : 91 506 - 113 037
Number of positions to be filled : 1
Application Deadline : 05/02/2026
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.
Why Join VIA Rail?
Working at VIA Rail means contributing to a mission that matters—connecting Canadians safely, sustainably, and efficiently.
We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package, including:
- Flexible schedule and hybrid work policy (depending on the position)
- Comprehensive insurance plan (medical, dental, disability, life)
- Competitive pension plan with employer contribution
- Employee assistance programs and well‑being support
- Opportunities for continuous learning (e.g., Power BI, advanced analytics, project management)
- Opportunities for advancement within a transforming organization
- Collaborative, inclusive, and innovation‑driven work environment
About the Role
At VIA Rail, safety is more than a requirement—it’s a commitment to our passengers, employees, and partners. As Senior Advisor, Safety Governance & Compliance, you will play a strategic leadership role in ensuring that safety is fully embedded in how we operate, make decisions, and evolve as a national transportation provider.
Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of VIA Rail’s Safety Management System (SMS). You will act as a trusted advisor to senior management, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while driving a proactive, performance‑based safety culture across the organization.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence corporate strategy, collaborate with national and industry partners, and guide the organization through regulatory change and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Governance & Strategy
- Lead the development, maintenance, and evolution of VIA Rail’s corporate Safety Management System (SMS), ensuring integration across departments and operational activities.
- Develop and implement medium‑ and long‑term strategies related to regulatory affairs and safety governance.
- Identify and respond to emerging regulatory requirements, operational risks, and industry best practices.
Compliance, Audit & Performance
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct audits and assessments to ensure compliance with:
- Applicable laws and regulations
- Corporate SMS requirements
- Industry standards and best practices
- Analyze safety performance trends, lead the development of corrective action plans, and monitor their effectiveness.
- Report findings, insights, and recommendations to senior management as part of formal management reviews.
Advisory, Coaching & Collaboration
- Provide expert coaching and strategic guidance to senior leaders and general managers on the implementation of corporate and departmental safety processes.
- Support departments in diagnosing safety and compliance needs resulting from regulatory changes, incidents, or monitoring outcomes.
- Work closely with internal partners to ensure safety training programs are adequate, effective, and aligned with SMS requirements.
External & Industry Engagement
- Represent VIA Rail with Transport Canada Rail Safety and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) to ensure alignment on safety strategies and regulatory compliance.
- Actively participate in industry committees, contributing to the development and implementation of sector‑wide compliance strategies.
- Collaborate with Service Delivery teams to develop policies and procedures that address regulatory and operational business challenges.
Transformation & Change Leadership
- Lead and support safety‑related transformation initiatives, including the development of new procedures and practices in response to current and upcoming regulatory changes.
- Champion these changes across the organization, building alignment, engagement, and shared ownership among stakeholders.
- Contribute to the safety component of VIA Rail’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or a related field
- 6–8 years of relevant experience
(Railway operations, rules compliance, or regulated transportation experience is a strong asset)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in both official languages (English & French)
- Proven ability to present to large audiences, including senior management and executive‑level stakeholders
- Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills
- Demonstrated experience writing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
- Ability to develop strategic plans and ensure disciplined follow‑through
- Collaborative, adaptable, and quick to learn in complex environments
- Passion for continuous improvement and safety leadership
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience with Power BI, Teams, SharePoint, and Power Automate (Flow) considered an asset
- Risk Assessment qualifications or equivalent experience preferred
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!