Apply now »

Specialist Director, Initiatives, Safety and Railway Operations

Location: 

TORONTO, ON, CA, M5J 1E7

Reference Number : 785 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $129 548 - $160 029

Number of positions to be filled : 1 

Application Deadline : 04/18/2025

 

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 Chief Service Delivery, this position ensures the operational efficiency and strategic progress of VIA Rail by supporting mid-term and long-term initiatives while overseeing responsibilities related to railway safety and operations. This includes managing strategic projects such as Enhanced Train Control (ETC) systems, optimizing fuel management strategies, and other key activities. The role also provides the Corporation with subject matter expertise in railway operations. It is vital for maintaining the smooth operation and strategic advancement of the organization, ensuring continuity and effectiveness in these areas without impacting our operations.

responsibilities responsibilities Responsibilities:

 

Project Management as a Business Owner/SME for initiatives that will change the future operation of Railway operations (current examples):

  1. Enhanced Train Control (ETC) systems;
  2. Driver Advisory System (DAS);
  3. Fuel Management: Ensuring the viability of proposed solutions, working towards pilot systems, and developing mitigation strategies for fuel consumption;
  4. Locomotive Engineer Recruitment (LEAP): Northern Manitoba LEAP recruitment initiatives and overall recruitment efforts;
  5. LDRR transportation: Subject Matter Expert;

 

- Rotating coverage of the On Duty Director position, supporting daily operations, liaising between functions and Transportation (every third weeks rotation);

- Responsible for the Administration and access to Wi-Tronix and LVVR application within the Railway department: Monitoring & Granting access;

- Quarterly review of all accesses, etc.;

- Health and Safety and Railway Safety operations: Preparing Health and Safety documentation for monthly safety meetings, following up with other functions on incident trends and tracking, and managing/monitoring contracted resources for Business unit;

- Analysis of trends and identification of needs to provide strategies for continuous improvement of the business unit (including OTP improvement strategy).

 

Requirements:

 

  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Engineering, or related field and asset;
  • Minimum 15 years of experience in railway operations and safety operation management in the rail industry;
  • Experience in project management;
  • Expertise in railway safety and operations;
  • Experience with various data and computer systems such as Wi-Tronix, Power BI, host railway systems an asset.

 

Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and management skills;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to manage multiple initiatives and responsibilities effectively;
  • Bilingual (French and English) preferred  to effectively communicate with diverse teams and BU.

 

#VIAP1

 

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!

Apply now »