Manager, Transportation

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.

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Heart of Canada's Rail Network

This is far more than a management position—it's an opportunity to lead and inspire teams that keep VIA Rail moving. As Manager, Train Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of passenger services across the Western Region.

Your leadership will directly shape the experience of thousands of travelers every day. You will oversee locomotive engineers and transportation staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

This is your chance to guide, mentor, and empower a team that drives the success of our rail operations.

• This position will be primarily based at Winnipeg Station.
• Build strong partnerships by liaising with host railways, labour organizations, internal departments, and regulatory bodies to ensure VIA Rail delivers safe, reliable, and timely services to its customers.
• Champion safety and efficiency by managing operational and occupational safety for transportation activities, identifying systemic issues, and implementing corrective actions to maintain a secure work environment.
• Optimize resources and performance through effective use of staff and assets, providing on-the-job training and qualification for locomotive engineers, monitoring compliance, and driving on-time performance improvements.
• Lead investigations and crisis response by attending and conducting inquiries into derailments, accidents, and emergencies involving operational personnel or rule violations, and representing VIA Rail in investigations with host railways.
• Ensure accountability and continuous improvement by participating in safety meetings, producing reports on incidents, and applying recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Drive team development and compliance by overseeing training programs, maintaining records, and ensuring adherence to operational rules, procedures, and organizational policies in collaboration with Transportation and Labour Relations teams.
• Communicate operational updates by issuing notices and preparing publications related to train operations and crew management, while supporting the Operations Control Centre and Crew Management Centre to maintain reliability and punctuality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in railway operations, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing unionized employees.
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR).
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and make strategic decisions.
• Locomotive engineer qualification considered an asset; candidate must be eligible for medical certification for safety-critical positions.
• Working knowledge of collective agreements and experience in a unionized environment (including disciplinary measures, grievances, and sanction gradation).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to travel as required for operational needs.

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