Senior Advisor, Safety Risk 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.

Position

The Senior Advisor, Safety Risk Management, is responsible for leading the development, implementation, oversight and continuous improvement of the railway operational risk assessment framework. The role ensures hazards, threats and credible scenarios are systematically identified, risks are analyzed and quantified, and effective mitigation measures are implemented across all railway operations. Acting as a senior technical expert, the role leads complex, cross‑functional risk assessments in live operational environments, integrating safety, security, health & safety, environmental, and operational risks to enable informed decision‑making and achieve the highest level of safety performance.

Responsibilities

Operational Risk Assessment Program

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the operational risk assessment framework ensuring compliance with SMS, passenger rail security, H&S, and environmental regulatory requirements and industry best practices;
• Oversee hazard and threat identification, credible worst‑case scenarios, and loss‑of‑control events across railway operations;
• Direct the application of qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methodologies to evaluate and prioritise risks;
• Ensure integration of risk assessments into operational decision‑making, change management, and project governance;
• Provide expert guidance to ensure consistency and maturity of risk practices across all business units.

Risk Assessments

• Lead and facilitate complex, cross‑functional risk assessments across railway operations, encompassing railway safety, health and safety, security, environmental, and other operational risks, including incidents, occurrences, safety concerns, and operational changes;
• Conduct multidisciplinary workshops in operational environments ensuring rigorous analysis and control validation;
• Develop and recommend mitigation strategies, barriers, and recovery measures;
• Influence stakeholders to ensure accountability and effective implementation of risk treatments.

Safety, Security and Enterprise Integration

• Integrate safety and security risks within the enterprise risk management framework;
• Incorporate railway safety, security, health & safety, environmental, and operational risks into risk assessments using consistent methodologies;
• Advise on risk tolerance, acceptance, and escalation while promoting a strong risk culture and governance practices.

Data Analytics and Risk Quantification

• Lead the development and use of data analytics tools to support risk‑based decision‑making;
• Analyze incidents, trends, and operational data to identify emerging, systemic risks and areas requiring attention across railway operations;
• Develop risk indicators, tracking and reporting mechanisms, and predictive models;
• Ensure integrity and governance of data used in risk analysis and reporting;
• Translate analytical outputs into actionable insights for leadership.

Advisory and Capability Development

• Act as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to operational and corporate stakeholders;
• Develop and deliver training programs on risk assessment methodologies;
• Mentor teams and promote best practices across the organization.

What We Are Looking For

• Risk management experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skill in both official languages;
• 8–10 years of relevant experience in safety, environmental or risk systems (Railway Operations or Rules Compliance knowledge a plus);
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and ISO standards;
• Ability to present to large groups at various levels of the organization or to external partners; at a Senior Management and/or Executive Level;
• Quick learner and collaborative;
• Focus on continuous improvement;
• Engaged with a strong work ethic;
• Analytical, critical and governance mindset;
• Stakeholder engagement;
• Capacity to develop plans and effect rigorous follow up;
• Established skill in writing policies and procedures;
• Fluent in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook);
• Expertise in MS Power BI, Teams, SharePoint, Flow a plus;
• Risk Assessment Qualifications.

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr