Senior Specialist, Host Railway Management

Viarail; Montreal; On-site; CAD 113,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

VIA Rail in Montreal is seeking a Senior Specialist, Host Railway Management to lead interfaces with host railways and the design-build contractor for the Dorval Multimodal Transportation Hub (MTH). You will coordinate technical matters, align design, planning and construction, and represent VIA Rail in railway discussions and contract negotiations.

The role requires deep railway environment knowledge, strong stakeholder management, and bilingual communication in French and English; you will

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• 10–15 years of experience managing large-scale projects.
• 10–15 years of experience in the railway industry.
• Ability to integrate strategic and budgetary considerations into complex projects.
• Strong political acumen and judgment for multi-stakeholder environments.
• Excellent understanding of railway design, construction management in active rail corridors, and passenger rail operations.
• Knowledge of the technical, regulatory, and commercial railway environments, including track design and host railway interfaces.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing priorities with analytical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Ensure strategic positioning of VIA Rail’s interests with host railways and the design-build contractor.
• Coordinate all technical railway infrastructure matters, including track design and construction phasing.
• Identify risks and propose approaches to minimize costs and operational impacts.
• Collaborate on construction planning to limit passenger service disruptions and optimize resources.
• Maintain relationships with construction teams, host railway reps, and VIA Rail/exo operations.
• Monitor budget implications of railway-related decisions and propose optimizations.
• Document decisions and follow-up actions with other project functions.

Skills

Railway knowledge

Stakeholder management

Bilingual communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Senior Specialist, Host Railway Management

Location: MONTREAL, Quebec, CA, H3B 2C9

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $113,490 - $133,515

Application Deadline :11/27/2026

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• 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 effectively with both technical teams and senior decision-makers.
• Strong field leadership, attention to detail, and customer-focused mindset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
• Valid Railway Track Inspector certification is considered an asset.
• Qualification under the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) is considered an asset.

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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.

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