Reference Number : 821
Status : Permanent - Full-time
Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $140,858 - $174,001
Number of positions to be filled : 1
Application Deadline : 08/04/2025
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.
The incumbent of the position is responsible for the implementation of the Corporate Services Department. The holder will be responsible, among other things, for health and safety activities, the Safety Management System (SMS), and regulatory affairs in the railway sector, as well as other functions as required.
Responsibilities:
Define alignments in terms of health and safety, industrial hygiene, and protection of the organization's and department's facilities.
Participate in the evolution of the organization and be responsible for strategies and initiatives related to health and safety.
Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous review of effective policies, prevention programs, and procedures in health, safety, and workplace hygiene, both for current operational activities and major projects of the organization.
Plan, develop, and oversee all activities related to regulatory requirements impacting operations (Railway Safety Act, Transport Canada, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada).
Be responsible for the relationship with key partners such as Transport Canada (Rail Safety Department) and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to ensure corporate safety and defend the interests of VIA Rail.
Participate with industry partners, as a member of the Regulatory Committee of the Railway Association of Canada, in the development and implementation of strategies affecting the industry from a regulatory affairs perspective.
Lead the development of methods to prevent the recurrence of violations of the Railway Safety Act and the associated rules, procedures, and policies.
Ability to develop effective means to prevent the recurrence of incidents (violations of railway regulations, infractions of the Canadian Labour Code, etc.).
Lead the team in collaboration with the risk management team to manage risk assessment activities and ensure the implementation of necessary corrective measures to prevent health and safety risks at work.
Support the concerned individuals during investigations and analyses related to health and safety events and ensure that these are completed rigorously within the prescribed deadlines.
Manage the budget associated with overall health, specifically related to workplace accidents and disability, and optimize the expenditures to increase the efficiency of our processes.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in industrial relations, administration, or law combined with a diploma, certificate, DESS, or other specific qualification in health and safety.
10-15 years of management experience in the field of health and safety within transportation and/or manufacturing companies.
Expertise in regulations related to the railway sector.
Strong knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Extensive practical knowledge of health and safety rules as well as laws surrounding the railway sector.
Excellent written and verbal proficiency in both official languages (English/French).
Competencies:
Ability to analyze complex situations and make quick decisions (e.g., regulatory affairs in railway operations and occupational health and safety).
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate with internal and external partners.
Aptitude for critical thinking and prioritization.
Proven skills in impact and influence.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to set priorities, solve problems using evidence-based decision-making practices, and resolve conflicts quickly and effectively.
Experience in process design and workflow mapping.
Ability to synthesize complex ideas (including legal ones), negotiate, and build relationships.
Diplomacy and political acumen.
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!