Senior Manager, Project Management

 Reference Number : 763 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $ 119 266 - $ 147 313

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 04/19/2025

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 Senior Manager Program Management Office reports to the Corporate Project Management Office (CPMO) Senior Director and is responsible for leading a team of 8 to 10 professional employees, such as senior project managers, project managers and senior functional advisors/specialists for the multifunctional activities of the Non-Corridor Investment Plan program. As such, he or she will have to establish the objectives of the Program in collaboration with the Vice-President & Program Director according to organizational strategies and ensure the implementation of activities in accordance with established practices and rules.

The Senior Manager is responsible for coordinating, integrating and overseeing the overall program governance process. Throughout the process, he or she plays a key decision-making role in to guarantee a qualitative, efficient and economical execution of the program and will have to demonstrate agility since multiple stakeholders are to be mobilized in the execution.

The incumbent will also be responsible for leading the execution of the Rolling Stock projects Portfolio.

Responsibilities:

Resources management activities:

• Determine the structure and resources required to carry out the activities and deliverables of the Program Management Office;
• Develop collective and individual team goals based on program objectives and corporate functions requirements (legal, engineering, procurement, risks, health, safety and environment, operations);
• Lead and coach staff and project team, provide timely feedback to foster business unit cohesion and optimal use of collective skills;
• Implement actions to increase employee mobilization and ensure performance and expected results.

Project Management activities:

• Develop and implement Program Management methodologies, processes and tools;
• Work in collaboration with the Project Directors to define, prioritize and develop projects plans and activities;
• Ensure Program’s goals are met including safety, customer’s satisfaction, budget, scope and schedule. Monitor closely the Program’s budget and operating plan;
• Manage projects interdependencies and program deliverables;
• Meet with stakeholders to make communication easy and transparent regarding program issues and decisions;
• Assist and communicate with executives in decision-making, program management, and governance aspects;
• Leads the implementation for Risk management process, fosters a risk culture;
• Ensure appropriate quality management processes (Gate Reviews) are implemented and rigorously followed;
• Lead the preparation of an overall Integrated Project Schedule, monitor progress, manage reporting, and take corrective action to ensure on time delivery.

Governance and Reporting activities:

• Oversee the governance activities related to the program (internal governance of the program, of the Executives Committee, of the President and CEO, of the Board of Directors, the Government and all external partners involved in the program);
• Produce accurate and timely reporting of program status throughout its lifecycle. Follow-up on actions and decisions taken.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Administration;
• A minimum of 15 years of experience, including 10 years in project management experience in the field of operations or transportation or large-scale program management;

• Basic understanding of Finance, Procurement, Maintenance and Operational processes;
• Experience in successfully delivering projects involving vendor interactions and management and internal multifunctional teams coordination;

• PMP Certified, you have also demonstrated hands-on knowledge of project management activities development and project management tools and methodologies such as Microsoft SharePoint, EPM2010, Project Online;
• Bilingualism English-French (essential). Both spoken and written.

A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Competencies:

• Planning and organization of work carried out by teams;
• Strong communication skills; openness toward others;
• Disciplined, focused on quality, team player contributing to the success of projects with other knowledge workers;
• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others, and to coach staff;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships within the team and with clients;
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage parallel activities as part of multiple projects. Strong ability to achieve results;  
• Experience working in a matrix management environment;
• Creativity and resourcefulness in solving complex problems; demonstrated customer orientation;
• Good with numbers; strong analytical skills;
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and influence team members by demonstrating a professional attitude and skills;
• Good negotiating skills and ability to influence others;
• Commitment to continuous development: Desire to stay abreast in the area of best management practices and project management tools so as to maintain a high degree of expertise in project management.

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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