Senior Advisor, Safety Management System

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.

Why Join VIA Rail?

Working at VIA Rail means contributing to a mission that matters—connecting Canadians safely, sustainably, and efficiently.

We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package , including:

• Flexible schedule and hybrid work policy (depending on the position)
• Comprehensive insurance plan (medical, dental, disability, life)
• Competitive pension plan with employer contribution
• Employee assistance programs and well‑being support
• Opportunities for continuous learning (e.g., Power BI, advanced analytics, project management)
• Opportunities for advancement within a transforming organization
• Collaborative, inclusive, and innovation‑driven work environment

About The Role

The Senior Advisor, Safety Management System (SMS) leads the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the management system required under the Railway SMS Regulations, ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal requirements while working closely with senior operations leaders and Transport Canada Rail Safety. The role oversees safety performance monitoring, trend analysis, corrective action planning, audits, consultation, communication, and effectiveness verification. It also provides strategic advice on strengthening safety objectives, targets, and performance measures and supports the organization in achieving the highest level of safety in railway operations while enabling management oversight capabilities at all organizational levels. The role works in collaboration with other professionals to integrate the effective governance of railway safety, occupational health & safety, environmental, security and operational risks across all railway activities.

Key Responsibilities

SMS Governance Framework Development & Integration

• Design, implement, and continuously improve the corporate SMS framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and integration of safety, security, OHS, environmental, and operational risk.
• Translate regulatory and ISO standards (e.g., 45001/14001) into scalable processes; maintains core SMS processes and ensure alignment across compliance, occurrence management, safety concerns, remedial actions, and performance targets.
• Standardize documentation and methods, drive continuous improvement through industry best practices, and coach operational leaders to ensure effective SMS implementation.

Regulatory Compliance & Instrument Governance

• Develop and maintain frameworks and processes to identify, manage, and ensure compliance with railway safety regulatory instruments, including traceability to internal procedures.
• Partner with Regulatory Affairs to oversee Railway Safety Act frameworks, monitor regulatory changes, and coordinate requirement integration, reporting, and submissions.
• Implement communication, compliance monitoring, and reporting mechanisms, and collaborate with Transport Canada Rail Safety on SMS requirements and related legislation.

SMS Assurance, Monitoring & Effectiveness Verification

• Develop and maintain assurance frameworks (monitoring, internal audits, performance evaluation) to measure SMS compliance and establish methods to assess effectiveness against evolving requirements.
• Define performance indicators, targets, and reporting tools to evaluate effectiveness and enable management oversight through clear governance and accountability.
• Lead internal and external audits, report results to senior management, and drive continuous improvement based on findings and performance analysis.

Consultation, Communication & Safety Culture

• Develop consultation and communication frameworks aligned with regulatory requirements.
• Enable internal reporting mechanisms for hazards and contraventions without reprisal.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across the organization.
• Provides coaching and direction to leadership in understanding and applying SMS principles.

Enterprise Risk Integration & Operational Alignment

• Integrate SMS within the enterprise risk management framework.
• Ensure system applicability across operations, infrastructure, mechanical, and passenger services.
• Provide expert advisory support to operational leaders in the control and reduction of safety impacts.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment and system coherence.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• University degree in engineering, safety, risk management, or related discipline.
• 8–12+ years of experience in railway safety, SMS, or regulated transportation environments.
• Deep knowledge of Transport Canada Railway SMS Regulations and regulatory environment.
• Experience developing or maturing management systems (SMS, H&S, Environmental, ISO).
• Demonstrated expertise in governance frameworks, assurance systems, and regulatory compliance structures.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both official languages (English & French)
• Proven ability to present to large audiences, including senior management and executive‑level stakeholders
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Demonstrated experience writing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Ability to develop strategic plans and ensure disciplined follow‑through
• Collaborative, adaptable, and quick to learn in complex environments
• Passion for continuous improvement and safety leadership

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with Power BI, Teams, SharePoint, and Power Automate (Flow) considered an asset
• Risk Assessment qualifications or equivalent experience preferred

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!