Innovation & AI Lead - ALTO

Systra; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SYSTRA Canada seeks an Innovation & AI Lead for the Alto Project to steer AI strategy and delivery. You will bridge business and technology, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure governance, security, and compliance while delivering measurable business value.

Responsibilities include defining the AI roadmap, delivering AI-powered solutions, and developing partnerships to secure funding and advance innovations across the program.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience delivering digital transformation, innovation, or AI initiatives.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing cross-functional teams and strategic programs.
• Bilingual in French and English is essential to work with diverse clients.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the AI and innovation roadmap for the Alto Project in line with Cadence Team goals.
• Lead the design and delivery of AI-powered solutions improving efficiency and decision-making.
• Build partnerships and pursue funding to support Alto Project objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Innovation Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Executive Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Change Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business, or related field

Tools

Azure AI Services

Azure OpenAI

Copilot

Power Platform

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

SYSTRA Canada is part of the SYSTRA group, an international consulting and engineering group, a world leader in the design of transport infrastructures. SYSTRA Canada is an engineering and consulting firm whose primary focus is to offer transportation solutions, whether for passengers or goods: feasibility studies of building a new railway line, increasing the capacity of the existing infrastructure, privatization of a railway.

Context

Join SYSTRA Canada in shaping the future of Canada with this impressive ALTO high-speed rail project connecting Quebec City to Toronto, the largest infrastructure project in Canada in generations.

The ALTO high-speed rail project aims to improve the quality of life of our citizens, strengthen ties between communities, and stimulate economic growth.

Are you convinced that a more sustainable world is possible and that mobility is an integral part of thinking about the future of our planet? Come aboard with SYSTRA Canada and be part of the project that will revolutionize the railway industry in Canada!

Missions/Main Duties

The Innovation & AI Lead for the Alto Project is responsible for driving the discovery, design, implementation, and adoption of innovative digital and AI-powered solutions that support the strategic objectives of the Cadence Team. This role bridges business and technology, leading cross-functional initiatives that leverage Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, automation, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to deliver measurable business outcomes.

The successful candidate will establish the AI vision for Alto, identify high-value opportunities, oversee solution delivery, and foster a culture of innovation while ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, governance, security, and compliance standards.

Innovation Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the AI and innovation roadmap for the Alto Project, aligned with Cadence Team objectives.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to leverage Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, automation, and emerging technologies to create business value.
• Lead innovation initiatives, proof-of-concepts, and pilot programs from ideation through implementation.
• Develop business cases and value realization frameworks to support investment decisions and strategic priorities.

AI & Digital Solution Delivery

• Lead the design and delivery of AI-powered solutions that improve operational efficiency, decision‑making, and user experience.
• Translate business challenges into scalable technology solutions and oversee their successful implementation.
• Ensure alignment with enterprise architecture, security, data governance, and compliance requirements.
• Establish performance metrics to measure solution effectiveness, adoption, and business outcomes.

Research, Partnerships & Funding

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, industry consortiums, and innovation hubs to accelerate AI research and technology adoption.
• Collaborate with academic partners on applied research, co‑development opportunities, and talent development initiatives.
• Identify, pursue, and manage federal and provincial funding opportunities, grants, and innovation programs that support Alto Project objectives.
• Coordinate funding proposals, partnership agreements, and reporting activities with government agencies and external stakeholders to maximize investment and innovation outcomes.

Profile/Skills

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Business, or related field.

Years of experience

• 8+ years of experience delivering digital transformation, innovation, or AI initiatives.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing cross‑functional teams and strategic programs.

Technical competencies

• Experience with Microsoft AI ecosystem, including Azure AI Services, Azure OpenAI, Copilot, Power Platform, and Microsoft Fabric.
• Certifications in AI, Cloud Architecture, Agile, Product Management, or Project Management.Experience establishing AI governance and Responsible AI practices.
• Background in innovation management or enterprise transformation programs.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, both in French and in English*

*Reasons for requiring bilingualism:You will have the opportunity to work with a varied clientele, including both French- and English-speaking companies. Bilingualism is therefore fundamental to building strong relationships with our customers, understanding their specific needs, communicating effectively in their preferred language and facilitating strategic meetings.

Personal and soft skills

• Strategic Thinking
• Innovation Leadership
• AI & Data-Driven Decision Making
• Product and Solution Management
• Executive Communication
• Business Acumen
• Change Leadership
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration and Influence

SYSTRA Canada is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that values applications from all and offers employment equity based on the merits and abilities of candidates and personnel.

We use AI-enabled tools in our recruitment platform (iCIMS) for tasks like resume parsing and candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all applications are reviewed by a human recruiter, and final decisions are made by our hiring team. For questions about our hiring process or AI tools, please contact [e-mail].

Note: In this description, the masculine gender is used for easy reading purposes and includes the feminine.

Workplace Type

Hybrid