Utilities Director

About SYSTRA Canada

SYSTRA Canada is part of the SYSTRA group, an international consulting and engineering group, and 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, or privatizing a railway.

Context

The Utilities Director holds overall responsibility for the planning, coordination, design, and delivery of utility management services on rail infrastructure projects. Operating as part of a leading engineering consultancy, the role ensures seamless integration of utility requirements into project execution, safeguarding project timelines, cost efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Business Leadership: Serve as the primary subject matter expert on utilities in rail projects, providing strategic direction and technical oversight within the firm.
• Client Engagement: Build and maintain client relationships, understanding client objectives, and developing innovative, cost‑effective utility solutions tailored to client needs.
• Proposal Support & Business Development: Lead utility‑related input for proposals, bids, and project pursuits, helping to grow the firm’s rail utilities portfolio.
• Project Delivery Oversight: Oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of utility management services across multiple rail projects. Ensure successful execution of utility survey, identification, conflict resolution, protection, and diversion planning.
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance: Ensure all solutions comply with applicable regulations, industry standards, and best practices. Represent the firm in regulatory consultations or technical committees as required.
• Risk & Change Management: Identify and manage utility‑related risks, proactively addressing issues and guiding the project team in response to unforeseen utility challenges.
• Team Management & Development: Lead and mentor project teams, fostering skill development in utility engineering. Promote a collaborative and high‑performance culture.
• Stakeholder Management: Coordinate with utility agencies, local authorities, design teams, construction contractors, and other key stakeholders for successful project outcomes.
• Financial Management: Oversee project budgets and resources for utility‑related scopes, ensuring profitability and value for clients.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and documentation across all project deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Utility Engineering, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience (typically 15+ years) in utility management within large‑scale rail or infrastructure projects.
• Previous leadership experience in a consulting or engineering firm is highly desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of multi‑utility systems (water, gas, electricity, telecoms, drainage).
• Proven capability in business development, client management, and project delivery.
• Familiarity with relevant local and international codes, standards, and permitting processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Professional engineering registration or chartership preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and business acumen
• Advanced technical expertise in utility engineering
• Team and client relationship management
• Project delivery and financial control
• High‑level communication and presentation skills
• Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement

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.

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