Description :

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 and reservation system, 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 Senior Advisor, Project Services, reports to the Senior Manager, External Rolling Stock Renovation Projects. They are responsible for implementing the team's specialties in support of rolling stock projects and project managers. These specialties include high-level general planning, extensive preparation and updating of documents and presentations, and coordination of internal and external projects and meetings with a variety of stakeholders. They develop, synthesize and follow up on the various issues and decisions encountered with contractors. They have in-depth knowledge of the industrial sector and use their expertise to help team members achieve short- and long-term project success. The Senior Adviser is responsible for centralizing the contractual documentation generated by the various contractors, as well as coordinating the materials required for the various projects. They coordinate a multi-disciplinary team in a matrix to ensure that projects are successfully launched, deployed and followed up with project managers. They plan change requests that may arise during project implementation.
The Senior Advisor ensures compliance with scope, quality and schedule, and with the Project Office and corporate objectives for the services requested. They ensure that resources are allocated correctly while the projects are being supported. They identify new options and innovative ways of doing things to facilitate and accelerate interactions with internal departments at VIA Rail and with contractors. They must also work closely with assigned resources from different departments to coordinate the movement of rolling stock and fulfil applicable warranties.

Responsabilities:
• Coordinate the support process for various projects and programs, including different disciplines and specialties such as planning, documentation, materials and continuous improvement. Everything must be done in line with corporate objectives, and also in terms of scope, quality and schedule.
• Support the development, interaction and monitoring of high-level project plans, including schedule, budget and resources, with their manager and responsible project leaders.
• Initiate and follow a response plan for unforeseen situations with contractors and other stakeholders that may arise during project execution.
• Ensure the development and follow-up of a communication plan with contractors, in conjunction with project managers.
• Motivate a multidisciplinary team. Define and communicate objectives, requirements, support processes, expectations, issues and progress to team members.
• Manage numerous meetings relating to the smooth running of programs and projects.
Visit contractors' sites on a regular and optimal basis to meet team members and produce summary reports, in conjunction with project managers.
• Collaborate and actively support rolling stock project management in preparing reports and presentations on the progress of projects and programs.
• Follow up on the commonality of engineering, material, documentation and processes between the various projects carried out by contractors, and communicate analysis results and findings.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and control by comparing progress to plan, and ensure compliance by assessing the quality of all deliverables under their control (roadmap, documentation, materials, logistics, etc.).
• Identify the main problems and risks associated with supporting contractors' projects, and work with their manager and project leaders to remedy them.
• Proactively organize and manage change requests on all projects, formally documenting and tracking them according to established processes.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of the data used in the various activities.
• Together with team members, create and manage initiatives and processes to improve project performance with contractors.

Requirements :

• University degree in business administration, engineering (preferably industrial or mechanical) or other related field.
• Experience with working in a manufacturing environment. The candidate must be comfortable in a production environment or similar sector.
• At least 10 years of experience in rolling stock projects or in the heavy equipment industry.
• At least 8 years of experience in technical support and project management with general and specialized contractors in a complex, multidisciplinary environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in personnel management (direct and/or matrix).
• Relevant experience in supporting various disciplines: planning, documentation, estimates, inventory, procurement and others.
• Practical experience and proven ability to communicate and negotiate agreements.
• Bilingualism in English/French (oral and written) is essential.

Competencies:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced knowledge of complex programs and projects and their interactions.
• Ability to lead a team toward consensus on the target solution while generating value for the company.
• Strong ability to coordinate and motivate a multidisciplinary team.
• High level of flexibility during periods of change and rapid, efficient adaptation to changes in directives.
• Ability to promote team spirit by providing constructive feedback, guiding others and sharing knowledge.
• Comfortable with verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster a stimulating environment.
• Rigour, concern for quality and ability to be a team player contributing to the success of projects.

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.

Why choose VIA Rail?
• Competitive salary and a generous compensation and benefits package;
• Flexible options for hybrid remote work;
• A close knit team of happy co workers;
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement;
• An environment that supports employee health and well being;
• A wide range of health and wellness benefits for employees and their families, including unlimited telemedicine service;
• To contribute to a sustainable transportation service connecting Canadian communities;
• First as an employer of choice and as the most trusted carrier among transportation companies in the 2022 Canadian Reputation study published by Leger.
• Learn more about VIA Rail: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/company

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!

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