Senior Manager, Inventory

Reference Number : 1065 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $119,266 - $147,329

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 11/14/2025

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 of Integrated Planning, Procurement, and Inventory Management, the Senior Manager, Inventory is responsible for overseeing system-wide inventory levels to support efficient shop operations and ensure equipment availability and reliability in a cost-effective manner.

The Senior Manager leads a team of professionals and support staff, including unionized employees, and works closely with the Senior Manager, Procurement to deliver comprehensive end-to-end supply chain management support. This role also includes direct oversight of store operations, ensuring effective inventory control, adherence to safety and operational standards, and productive collaboration with unionized personnel in alignment with collective agreements and organizational policies.

RESPONSABILITIES

• Establishes execution plan and ensures that detailed reviews of component and material inventory levels are performed in a structured and timely manner to maintain an inventory at all facilities that is consistent with the changing needs and configuration of the rolling stock fleet and delivery lead times.
• Oversees store operations across multiple facilities, ensuring effective inventory control, compliance with safety standards, and alignment with operational procedures.
• Collaborates with internal partners (Equipment maintenance, Quality, Engineering) to understand business requirements, develop strong working relationships and align on common objectives to drive appropriate inventory strategies.
• Works in close partnership with the Senior Manager, Procurement in the development of supply chain risk mitigation strategies, vendor management policies and the execution of structured business reviews with KPIs and related metrics.
• Leads the identification of obsolete and low-consumption components through consumption trend analysis and cross-functional engagement. Controls inventory levels, mitigates operational risks, and optimizes space utilization. Drives inventory turnover and stock optimization goals.
• Manages relationships with partners on equipment overhauled at external suppliers, supports requirements during the production phase and develops integration strategy and related processes, including warranty management, for the eventual return of the equipment to internal operations.
• Manages team of inventory officers and support staff and provides coaching and mentoring to support employee development and increased departmental productivity.
• Works closely with the Finance department to ensure the integrity of inventory-related financial transactions, including system transactions within the ERP.
• Supervises a team of store supervisors and unionized employees, promoting a culture of accountability, safety, and discipline. Ensures adherence to collective agreements and organizational policies.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Solid experience and knowledge of tactical procurement operations.
• Knowledge of the equipment material department in the railway industry will be considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills, ability to think out of the box and provide innovative solutions.
• Deep understanding of the collective agreement.
• Ability to manage and maintain productive relationships with union representatives.
• Skilled at handling grievances, disciplinary actions, and labor negotiations diplomatically.
• Ability to manage complexity and priorities.
• Ability to interface with senior management on a regular basis.
• Demonstrates and promotes team spirit.
• Proficient in French and English communication, both oral and written.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office suite, Word, Outlook, Excel.
• Experience with procurement module in ERP system, knowledge of Oracle ERP system is an asset.

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!