Senior Manager, Equipment Maintenance

 Reference Number : 1132 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : 102 816 - 127 008

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 01/09/2026

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. 

Responsible for the upkeep and inspection of our trains, the Maintenance Department is entering an exciting new era. With a modern fleet on the horizon, evolving workforce demographics, and multiple projects underway, our maintenance centers are undergoing significant transformation.

Reporting to the Director of Mechanical Maintenance, the Senior Manager, Equipment Maintenance oversees all key functions related to equipment maintenance and services at the Toronto Maintenance Centre. This role focuses on implementing a proactive maintenance strategy based on planned and scheduled work to ensure optimal train availability.

As a dynamic leader and change agent, the Senior Manager will guide teams through challenging and exciting transformations while fostering a safe and healthy work environment. They will also develop strategies for their departments that align with VIA Rail’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Managing People

• Lead a team of supervisors and indirect unionized employees.
• Coach and mentor team members, promoting knowledge transfer and implementing individual development plans.
• Champion mechanical and maintenance strategies, ensuring clear communication of changes and methodologies.
• Oversee daily operations, including production, materials, tooling, safety, budget efficiency, quality, and staffing.
• Manage investigations and grievances in accordance with collective agreements, recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Foster a positive work climate, employee engagement, and strong labor relations in collaboration with the union.
• Resolve conflicts promptly and fairly through coaching, recognition, and feedback.

Promoting Health and Safety

• Promote a strong safety culture and take proactive measures to prevent incidents.
• Ensure compliance with Company Safety programs, Canada Labour Code, OSHA, and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with the Director and Health & Safety Committee to implement and enforce safety initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive a culture of ongoing improvement and operational excellence.
• Supervise maintenance programs, refining policies and procedures.
• Recommend corrective actions for operational rule violations, delays, and irregularities.
• Partner with planning teams to implement new work methodologies for the incoming fleet.

 Efficiency & Quality Management

• Integrate Safety, Environmental, and Quality systems into maintenance operations.
• Enhance equipment availability, reliability, and cost efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate across Maintenance Centers to streamline operations and optimize asset utilization.
• Ensure all repairs and services meet Company, AAR, and Transport Canada standards.
• Act as Duty Officer during service disruptions and support business continuity plans.
• Lead projects and monitor KPIs to achieve objectives within established timelines.

Requirements

• University degree or college diploma in mechanical/electrical or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years in operational management, production, or equipment maintenance.
• At least 5 years managing employees or multidisciplinary teams in a unionized environment.
• Experience in transportation or railway industry (asset).
• Knowledge of Transport Canada Railway regulations (asset).
• Proficiency in engineering software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills in English (oral and written).
• Familiarity with Maintenance Management Systems (IBM Maximo, CMMIS is an asset).

Competencies

• Proven leadership and coaching skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities and team orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic, adaptable, and results-driven with a commitment to safety and quality.
• Promotes diversity and inclusion.

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!