Manager, Network Operations Planning - Rail Operations

Socket.dev; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario, is seeking a Rail Operations Planner to support Network Operations Planning on the GO/UPE rail network. The role focuses on balancing infrastructure projects with service commitments, leading cross-functional teams, and mitigating risks to protect current and future operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong railway operations background, CROR certification, and experience with project management and risk assessment within a dynamic

Qualifications

• Degree in Transportation Planning/Management or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Progressive railway operations experience in a Control Centre or supervisory role is an asset.
• CROR certification is required.
• Knowledge of Canadian railway operating practices and CROR rules is required.
• Knowledge of railway signaling and train control systems; ETCS/PTC familiarity is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Balance infrastructure project needs with service commitments and identify risks affecting baseline operations.
• Lead cross-functional coordination to align project timelines and operational impacts.
• Collaborate within Network Operations Planning to identify risks and propose improvements.
• Develop and oversee process improvements to ensure safe movements and track personnel operations.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team with a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Communicate alternate proposals to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Create an environment aligned with organizational goals and provide resources for the job.
• Supervise staff activities to ensure responsive service.

Skills

Transportation Planning

Rail Operations

CROR certification

Project Management

Risk Management

Leadership

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Transportation Planning/Management

Related discipline or equivalent experience

Tools

Railway Control Systems

ETCS/PTC familiarity

Job description

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team. This position is accountable for representing rail operations on the GO and UPE network, supporting the Network Operations Planning team in the review and development of future projects related to the continued expansion of the GO/UPE rail network. We are looking for someone who has a strong, network-level background in railway operations, rules, and management is required to ensure proposed projects do not adversely impact current or future operating plans. This role collaborates with key internal business units and Operations to help Metrolinx build the right project, in the right place, at the right time.

What will I be doing?

• Works closely with Operations, project teams, and affected business units to balance infrastructure project needs with service commitments, proactively identifying risks and mitigating potential conflicts. This includes leading operational planning deliverables related to operational planning to support ongoing capital and general maintenance projects impacting baseline operations.

• Leads cross-functional coordination efforts to ensure all business units are aligned on project timelines, operational impacts, and required response strategies, enabling proactive decision-making and minimizing service disruptions.

• Work collaboratively within the Network Operations Planning team, leveraging your skills and knowledge with that of a collection of industry subject-matter experts to identify risks and improvements with proposed projects.

• Leads initiatives focused on business improvements for rail-related functions. Technical accountability to develop, implement and oversee process improvements that ensure the safe operation of movements and track personnel on the Metrolinx network.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team by fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability, ensuring individual and collective growth aligned with organizational goals.

• Articulate and communicate alternate proposals to an audience of varied backgrounds and agendas.

• Creates a working environment that is aligned with the organization's desire to be a "best company to work for", ensuring that people resources possess the required skills, are properly aligned, and are provided with the resources to do the job.

• Supervises the activities of staff, ensuring work activities are carried out as assigned and the service is responsive.

What Skills and Qualifications Do I Need?

• Completion of a degree ina Transportation Planning/Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline– or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.
• Demonstrated years’ of progressive experiencein a railway Control Centre, railway supervisory position or related experience is an asset. Experience overseeing and coordinating multiple aspects of railway operations.
• Previous experience as Rail Traffic Controller is an asset.
• Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) certification is required.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian railway operating practices, rules, and governance is required.
• Knowledge of railway signaling principles is required.Experience with European Train Control System (ETCS) or Positive Train Control (PTC) is an asset.
• Ability to learn and gain in-depth knowledge on multiple train control systems.
• Knowledge of risk management systems and processes to identify and mitigate both safety and non-compliance risks.
• Experience with project management and related systems requirements and development methodologies, to support the delivery of a portfolio of very large inter-dependent projects with high complexity, risk, and organizational impact; experience monitoring project progress, related staff, resources, and activities for adherence to timelines, and achievement of project performance results.
• Experience leading transformational change to adapt to new or changing requirements and reflecting on lessons learned to analyze, evaluate, and define problems/challenges, identify alternatives, and make timely decisions to manage risk and address issues.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and juggle multiple priorities in a very dynamic and changing environment.
• Interpersonal and oral/written/presentation skills to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships across Metrolinx and with external stakeholders in person and/or through presentations; to engage with external to promote compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements; to prepare reports and briefing material.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and role specific software to manage advanced technical applications.

Accommodation

Metrolinx is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are also committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants in accordance with applicable legislation. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point during the hiring process, please contact us at: 416-202-5601 or email [e-mail].

Application Process

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time-sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate.

For Internal applicants, with the recent implementation of the Internal Mobility Policy, the internal recruitment process has changed for non-union roles. Candidates must be in their current role for 12 months prior to applying for another role and each applicant must be in good standing (not participating in a Performance Improvement Plan). Please review all provisions of the policy before submitting your application.

Should it be determined that any background information provided is misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

WE ARE AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER.