Technical Claims Specialist

 Reference Number : 790 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : 86 366$ - 106 687$

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 05/25/2025

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. 

VIA Rail is transforming passenger transportation with its New Fleet Program, introducing state-of-the-art trains to enhance the travel experience. As we expand, we are streamlining and optimizing our warranty claims process with our train supplier to improve efficiency and fleet reliability.

The Technical Claims Specialist plays a central role in coordinating and resolving supplier technical claims related to the CFR project. This position requires a blend of technical knowledge and project coordination skills to protect VIA Rail’s operational and commercial interests while contributing to improved fleet reliability.

You will use your engineering background to understand technical issues, review and challenge supplier’s positions using facts and sound reasoning, and propose way forward. The role demands the ability to communicate technical issues effectively. While you lead the resolution process, you will be supported by technical subject matter experts.

Beyond the technical aspects, you will coordinate the claim process across engineering, legal, quality, and operations. You will ensure alignment, drive progress, and maintain clear communication. You will also be responsible for recovering specific costs from the supplier and collecting liquidated damages.

Responsibilities:

Coordination: 

• Act as the integrated focal point across engineering, operations, quality and legal workstreams to ensure claims and potential disputes are adequately built and processed.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings with internal and external stakeholders to discuss ongoing claims and identify resolution paths.
• Ensure effective communication between all parties, maintaining transparency and alignment throughout the resolution process.
• Track the progress of each claim and ensure all required steps and actions are completed within expected timelines.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders regarding claim status and follow-up actions
• Monitor and ensure compliance with VIA Rail’s warranty policies, procedures, and contractual obligations.

Technical Support:

• Contribute to the preparation of certain technical reports, in conjunction with other stakeholders
• Review and assess suppliers’ responses to technical claims, analyze the arguments provided, and challenge them when necessary to protect VIA Rail’s interests and ensure accountability.
• Attend all engineering meetings and ensure timely follow-up on the supplier’s corrective actions.
• Present complex documents and be able to vulgarize their content to a large audience.

Cost recovery:

• Responsible for recovering costs incurred by VIA Rail for work performed on behalf of the supplier.
• Responsible for the enforcement of warranty liquidated damages, ensuring that VIA Rail is properly compensated for the impact of certain issues, in accordance with contractual provisions.

Process Implementation:  

• Contribute to the development and improvement of claims management processes to ensure timely, well-documented, and contract-compliant resolutions.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce turnaround times, and improve consistency and accuracy.
• Support the adoption of tools, methodologies, and best practices that enhance operational efficiency and standardize claims handling across the organization.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Management, or a related field;
• At least 8 years of experience in technical coordination, claims management, or a similar role;
• Experience in warranty claim management or a related technical field for rolling stock;
• Experience with contractual terms and legal requirements related to claims;
• Working in a project environment is an asset.

Competencies:

• Strong technical background with the ability to understand complex technical data and documents;
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal;
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple claims simultaneously, and meet deadlines;
• Knowledge of transportation and industry standards, regulations, and best practices in claims management;
• Proficiency with claims management and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with diverse teams across various departments to drive solutions and improvements;
• Proactive & Initiative-Driven Approach – Ability to take initiative, anticipate challenges, and act independently when needed;
• Bilingualism (Written & Spoken) – Proficiency in both English and French for effective communication in a multilingual environment;
• Intellectual curiosity in technical elements – Understanding technical concepts will provide better insight into the issues discussed in claims;
• Technical Proficiency – Good computer skills with experience using SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Office 365 Suite.

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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