Vice President, Planning and Land Acquisitions

At VIA HFR, we are re-imagining passenger rail service on behalf of the Government of Canada Our goal is to create a new sustainable train network that that will run faster, more often and will be more reliable between Toronto and Québec City. The HFR project is Canada's largest infrastructure project in generations.

**The role**

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Vice President to oversee the Planning and Land Acquisitions activities of the HFR Project. This includes all aspects related to network planning, transportation infrastructure development and urban integration, and land & right of way acquisition for the project.

**The responsibilities**

• Provide strategic leadership for the Planning & Land Acquisitions team.
• Develop and execute plans and processes with the Private Development Partner for identifying the necessary land and right of way for the project, in line with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate land acquisition and development plans into overall project plans.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Approve the appraisal, valuation, and compensation processes for land acquisition.
• Lead the acquisition of land and rights-of-way necessary for the construction and operation of the project. This includes negotiating with landowners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including local communities, government bodies, advocacy groups, and other relevant parties. Address concerns, facilitate communication, and seek consensus on land use and development issues.
• Identify potential risks related to land acquisition and development, develop risk mitigation strategies, and monitor risk throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead a team of directors and indirectly of professionals including land planners, real estate specialists and other experts and consultants. Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure the team’s success.
• Act as the interface between the Private Development Partner and the Corporation on all matters relating to Planning and Land acquisitions, building positive and collaborative relationships.
• Provide accurate and timely project performance reports with regards to land matters, offering data-driven analyses for informed decision-making in Planning and Land Acquisitions.
• Collaborate with the Private Development Partner, government agencies, community stakeholders, and engineering teams. Foster positive relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare progress reports, technical documentation, and presentations for project stakeholders, including executive leadership, the Corporation’s Board of Directors, Transport Canada, and regulatory authorities.
• Participate actively to the Corporation’s Executive Management Meetings.

**The requirements**

• Bachelor's degree in real estate, urban planning, civil engineering, business administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a senior Land and Right of Way acquisition role or in a senior Transportation Infrastructure development role.
• Proven experience in Land / Right of Way acquisition or infrastructure development leadership roles, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects such as rail.
• Familiarity with GIS software and other relevant planning tools.
• Excellent leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and consensus-building is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Being fluent in both Canadian official languages is a plus.

**Why join our innovative team?**

• Group insurance that is fully paid for you and your family, including medical, dental, life, disability, etc.
• A pension plan and saving options (RRSP and TFSA)
• Flexible benefits: access to wellness and health accounts to support your lifestyle
• Vacation based on experience, available as soon as you're hired
• Incentive bonus program
• Work in flexible hybrid mode
• A work environment that encourages initiative, innovation and forward-thinking solutions
• A unique opportunity to craft the future of transportation in Canada

**We strive to create strong and diverse teams**

At VIA HFR, we believe in the strength of diverse teams. We aspire to offer an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone can develop and flourish. We therefore invite all qualified individuals, whatever their identity