Senior Advisor Operational Risk-projects

Reference Number : 583 

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. 

The incumbent, in collaboration with other risk advisors, is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing the operational risk management process for the project management office supporting both portfolio projects and major programs totaling over $3B in capital expenditures. The person is responsible to manage operational risks by prioritizing across multiple projects, identify and assess risks associated with all phases of projects and develop risk mitigation strategies in order to maximize opportunities and minimizing potential negative impacts on project and daily operations, prevent incidents and ensure compliance to regulatory requirements. The person is also responsible to assist project managers to fulfill their responsibilities towards risk management, ensure effective communication throughout the program and promote a culture of risk management, as well as to ensure the effective transfer of the risks management strategies during the transition of the project into the business operations.

Risk Identification, Monitoring and Governance

• In collaboration with project managers, identify and assess operational risks in project activities and processes throughout all phases of the project (Safety, Security, Health, Environment, People, IT, Processes, Regulatory, Resilience, etc.) and conduct thorough risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks.

• Support and advise risk owners in the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies and action plans to address identified risks, including preventive and contingency measures, and monitor their effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage the development of change management and communication plans related to operational risks and opportunities.

Operational Risk Management Program - Development and compliance

• Supervise and guide the implementation of the company’s operational risk management program in the project management office integrating them into day-to-day project and operational activities and decision-making processes.

• Working with internal subject matter experts, ensures specific risk management programs and methodologies required by regulations and best management practices are implemented at the initial phases of the projects.

• Prepare and analyze various risk reports, updates and dashboards for project stakeholders. Participate in program governance meetings to track project progress, exerting influence, and providing guidance to other members in problem-solving and decision-making and escalate issues as required.

Incident Management and Response

• Provide guidance to project managers and internal subject matter experts during operational risk events and participate in the management of the response to incidents, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, and lessons learned.

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

Oversight and Continuous improvement

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

• Monitor industry best practices and risks similar to VIA Rail’s to improve risk management programs and mitigation strategies.

• Promote and maintain a healthy risk management culture and awareness within the Project Management Office. Facilitate knowledge sharing sessions to capture lessons learned from past projects.

Qualifications:

• University degree in project management, engineering, sciences, risk management, business administration, or a related field.

• Proven experience (8 to 10 years) in risk management, particularly in major project settings. Project management experience in operations or construction. Certification in risk management, project management and auditor is an asset.

• Strong understanding of applicable governance and risk management standards, operational risk management and project management principles, methodologies, tools and software (e.g., quantitative analysis, FMEA, HAZOP, LOPA, Bow Tie, and Event Tree, quantitative methods such as simulations or statistics, etc.).

• 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 ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing (English and French).

• Ability to assess complex project risks, develop practical mitigation strategies and make effective decisions.

• Ability to work in teams, establish professional relationships, collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence decision-making.

• Analytical and Communication Skills: Commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail. Systemic approach and competence in effectively analyzing reports.

• Ability to effectively manage time, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

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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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