Location:
OTTAWA, ON, CA, K1G 3H5 MONTREAL, Quebec, CA, H3B 4G1
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Reference Number : 1396
Status : Permanent - Full-time
Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $102,816 - $127,000
Number of positions to be filled : 1
Application Deadline : 08/08/2026
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.
Why VIA Rail?
We’re proud to offer a workplace that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of Canadian society. At VIA Rail, you’ll enjoy:
Competitive Compensation & Benefits
Excellent Pension Plan & Bonus Program
Generous Vacation, Parental, and Personal Leave
Hybrid Work Options (role-dependent)
Unlimited Access to Telemedicine Services
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Coverage
Train Travel Privileges for You and Your Family
Career Development & Training Opportunities
Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Participation in Social Initiatives & Employee Resource Groups
POSITION
Reporting to the Sr Director, Railway Operations, the incumbent will be directing VIA Rail’s Quebec & Maritimes Train Operations team, composed of approximately 185 Locomotive Engineers, and 6 Managers Train Operations. Based out of the East Region (Montreal), this team is responsible for the continuous improvement in safety performance and operational excellence of VIA’s train operations within the corridor (Ottawa to Quebec) and outside the corridor (Senneterre, Jonquière and Maritimes regions).
The incubent is responsible for the development and execution of the Eastern Region team’s health and safety goals, adherence to VIA’s Safety Management System requirements, ensuring strong employee engagement with focus on VIA’s operating and fiscal plans for the corridor and the regions outside the corridor. They will be required to develop strong relationships with Managers Train Operations, Teamsters Rail Conference Canada representatives, host infrastructure partners CN Rail, Metrolinx and CP Rail in addition to regional corporate partners’ operational leadership groups to advance corporate objectives, facilitate collaboration and share best practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage activities related to train operations including adherence to the operating plan and address exceptions such as delays, missed connections and service disruptions promptly minimizing adverse impact on stakeholders and Customers.
Maintain a high employee engagement under his responsibility in delivering daily coaching and recognition, training, setting weekly and yearly objectives, reviewing staffing and schedules, recruiting and all other Human Resources related aspects.
Ensure accurate and timely communication of train status information across multiple channels to internal stakeholders and passengers in collaboration with communication team.
Ensure documents included in the documentation center database (SharePoint) are pertinent, updated regularly and distributed to his respective teams.
Manage activities related to emergency preparedness and business continuity, testing of emergency measures organization and maintenance and testing of critical systems.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
University Degree or College Degree or equivalent combination of skills and work experience;
Minimum five year’s (5) experience managing Unionized employees;
Minimum three year’s (3) experience managing management employees.
Qualified Locomotive Engineer, an asset;
Experience successfully leading an Operational team in the Transportation environment In-Depth understanding and knowledge of Canadian Rail Operating Rules, Safety Management Systems and relevant Transportation regulations;
Results oriented with a commitment to safety and employee engagement;
Strong Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to articulate vision at all levels;
Excellent organizational skills capable of managing multiple assignments, setting priorities and allocating time effectively to meet deadlines;
Good knowledge of MS Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, Teams, etc.);
Ability to function effectively when under pressure, maintain self-control;
Capable of maintaining a high availability to a workforce that works 24 hours, 7 days per week, year-round;
Understanding of VIA’s Safety Culture and an in-depth knowledge of VIA operating environment, 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!
