Master Planner, Major Projects

VIA Rail Canada; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

VIA Rail Canada in Montreal is seeking a Senior LDRR Planner to coordinate master schedules across the Long-Distance, Regional and Remote Services program, aligning internal teams and suppliers with strategic timelines.

You will lead capacity planning, schedule integration, risk assessment, and process improvements using MS Project, Primavera, EPM, and Excel, with a strong focus on on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of planning large-scale projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning and integrated capacity management.
• Knowledge of risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation methodologies.
• Knowledge of the railway industry and rolling stock manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Project management knowledge; PMP certification is an asset.
• Understanding of contractual considerations related to project planning.
• Experience with monthly reporting and the production of project performance indicators.
• Understanding of major technical interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Major Project Planning: coordinate the integration of internal and external project schedules into a master plan.
• Program Planning: contribute to integrating all LDRR project schedules into a single master program schedule.
• Review and Optimization: facilitate planning sessions to review schedules and ensure critical path alignment.
• Capacity Management: support teams with CPMO standards and the EPM/Project Online solution.
• Monitoring and Control: maintain the master schedule, track progress, risks, and corrective actions.
• Quality and Continuous Improvement: improve planning standards and contribute to processes.
• Resource Management: develop overall resource plan and address capacity gaps.
• Technical Leadership: act as SME for planning and participate in risk analyses.

Skills

Strategic planning

Capac ity management

MS Project

Primavera

EPM

Excel

Monte Carlo

Risk analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

EPM

Excel

Job 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, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada.

At VIA Rail, we are shaping the future of passenger rail transportation in Canada. Our Long-Distance, Regional and Remote Services (LDRR) connect cities and Indigenous communities, while offering iconic journeys aboard The Canadian, The Ocean, and The Winnipeg–Churchill (Hudson Bay) service.

To modernize this fleet and build a sustainable network, we are launching an ambitious renewal program. Based primarily in Montreal, our team leads a strategic initiative with a nationwide impact.

As the Senior LDRR Planner, you will play a key role in ensuring the seamless coordination of activities within a complex program, aligning stakeholders and suppliers with our strategic objectives and timelines.

Responsibilities

Major Project Planning: In collaboration with the Program Manager, Project Director, and various stakeholders, coordinate the integration of internal and external project schedules into a comprehensive and structured master plan.

Program Planning: Working closely with the Program Manager and Senior Master Planner, contribute to the integration of all LDRR Program project schedules into a single master program schedule.

Review and Optimization: Facilitate planning sessions with stakeholders to review project schedules, apply planning best practices, and ensure critical path alignment and consistency.

Capacity Management: Support teams in implementing demand and capacity management practices using CPMO standards and the Enterprise Project Management (EPM/Project Online) solution.

Monitoring and Control: Maintain the master project schedule, including internal resource schedules and external supplier timelines; track progress, anticipate risks and delays, and recommend corrective actions.

Quality and Continuous Improvement: Participate in monitoring schedule quality, collaborate with project managers and project controllers to improve planning standards, and contribute to the development of planning processes.

Resource Management: Develop the overall resource plan, identify capacity gaps, and recommend resource adjustments as required.

Technical Leadership: Serve as the subject matter expert for planning and capacity management within the LDRR Program. Participate in Monte Carlo analyses and risk assessments.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in planning large-scale projects.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Strong expertise in strategic planning and integrated capacity management.
• Knowledge of risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation methodologies.
• Knowledge of the railway industry and rolling stock manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Project management knowledge required; PMP certification is considered an asset.
• Understanding of contractual considerations related to project planning.
• Experience with monthly reporting and the production of project performance indicators.
• Understanding of major technical interfaces.

Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, EPM, and Excel, including complex scenario modelling.
• Ability to communicate complex issues effectively to decision-makers and executives.
• Strong leadership, organizational skills, and ability to guide teams.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to establish clear priorities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

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.

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