Senior Specialist, Host Railway Management

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. As part of the development and construction of the Dorval Multimodal Transportation Hub (MTH), the incumbent will serve as the primary point of contact for all interfaces related to the host railways.

Reporting to the Director, Project Integration Specialist, this individual will play a central strategic and operational role in advancing the project. They will be responsible for maintaining ongoing coordination with railway partners (Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City) and with the design-build contractor, both from a technical and organizational standpoint, to ensure alignment of design, planning, and construction activities.

The incumbent will represent VIA Rail in technical discussions, contract negotiations related to railway interfaces, and the management of impacts on existing operations. The role will also involve close collaboration with the project development partner to ensure the seamless integration of railway requirements throughout all phases of the project, from design through commissioning. The incumbent will work regularly with VIA Rail and exo operations teams and act as a facilitator with the design-build contractor to plan construction activities while ensuring railway safety at all times, minimizing service disruptions, and protecting the customer experience.

Through strong technical leadership, a deep understanding of the railway environment, and the ability to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, this individual will contribute directly to the success of the Dorval Multimodal Transportation Hub (MTH) project.

• Ensure the strategic positioning of VIA Rail’s interests at all stages of the project with host railways and the design-build contractor.
• Coordinate all technical matters related to railway infrastructure, including track design, drainage, rights-of-way, construction phasing, regulatory requirements, and related issues.
• Identify risks associated with railway interfaces and recommend approaches to minimize project costs and operational impacts.
• Collaborate in the strategic planning of construction activities to limit disruptions to passenger services (intercity and commuter rail), while optimizing resources and work sequencing.
• Maintain strong working relationships with construction teams, host railway representatives, and VIA Rail and exo operations groups.
• Monitor the budgetary implications of railway-related decisions and propose optimization measures where appropriate.
• Ensure thorough documentation of decisions, issues, and follow-up actions in collaboration with other project functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and member in good standing of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ).
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of relevant experience managing large-scale projects delivered through alternative or non-traditional project delivery models.
• Minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in the railway industry.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate strategic and budgetary considerations into the management of complex technical projects.
• Strong political acumen and sound judgment, with the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments tactfully and effectively.
• Excellent understanding of railway design, construction management within active rail corridors, and passenger rail operations.
• Excellent understanding of the technical, regulatory, and commercial environments of the railway industry, including track design, host railway interfaces, and railway operations.
• Experience in interdisciplinary coordination and management of complex stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to manage priorities, structure complex issues, and apply strong analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work…