Senior Manager, Transportation

Reference Number :
17859_052021

Status :
Permanent – Full time

Job Category :
Train Operations

City :
TORONTO

Province :
Ontario

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate :
105 776 – 132 220

Number of positions to be filled :
1

Application Deadline: :
2021-05-21

Description :
Reporting to the Director, Railway Transportation, the incumbent will be directing VIA’s Central Train Operations team, composed of approximately 200 Locomotive Engineers, Yardmasters & Customer Experience staff and 6 Manager Train Operations. Primarily based out of the Toronto Maintenance Center, this team is responsible for the continuous improvement in safety performance and operational excellence of VIA’s train operations within the Central Region of the Windsor – Quebec City corridor as well Transcontinental route and regional train service in Northern Ontario.

The Senior Manager is responsible for the development and execution of the Central 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 Central Region. He will be required to develop strong relationships with Manager 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 :

• Provide leadership to Central team and ensure performance expectation in all aspects of their roles are met;
• Ensure execution of the day to day train operations over the Central Territory including all corridor, transcontinental and regional trains;
• Maintain regular and ongoing interaction with the management and unionize workforce of the Central Train Operations team;
• Ensuring compliance to all regulatory requirements in areas of workplace and railway safety;
• Responsible to ensure accurate and timely communication between field, host railways and VIA’s Control Center;
• Development of strong relationships with host infrastructure owners, ensuring VIA’s safety and performance issues are properly and efficiently addressed;
• Identify performance barriers and systemic issues and demonstrate the ability to collaborate to find potential solutions with host infrastructure partners;
• Plan and manage operating budget for Central Train Operations team while ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence;
• Facilitate continuous improvements in areas of safety, operating excellence and fiscal responsibility;
• Maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship with TCRC Local Representatives;
• Maintaining and fostering a solid working relationship with third party contractors, corporate partners and government representatives;
• Responsible for workforce management and succession planning for the Central team, including the recruiting and development of managers and locomotive engineers;
• Ensuring appropriate level of response to railway emergencies affecting VIA personnel and property over the Central region territory;
• Collaborate with other regions Senior Managers to assure consistent and standard approaches are maintained throughout the system;
• Maintain effective communications with all internal, external partners and regulatory agencies;
• Build internal and external relationships to support the strategic initiatives and opportunities;
• Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations to both manager team and unionized employees;
• Collaborate with manager team to create development goals in support of both technical and leadership skills;
• Collaborate with US Operator (AMTRAK) with Joint US – Canadian train service operations;

This role has irregular hours (including nights, weekends, holidays). The successful applicant will work in a combination of an office environment and the outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions. The role requires travel for Company business without advance notice which may include responding to unexpected emergency or urgent situations.

Requirements :

• University Degree or College Degree or equivalent combination of skills and work experience;
• Minimum five year’s experience managing Unionized 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;

VIA Rail thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. VIA Rail is an employment-equity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. VIA Rail Canada is proud to be a military friendly employer.