Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

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. This role ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal requirements, working closely with senior operations leaders and Transport Canada Rail Safety. It oversees safety performance monitoring, trend analysis, corrective action planning, audits, consultation, communication, and effectiveness verification. The role also provides strategic advice on strengthening safety objectives, targets, and performance measures, supporting the organization in achieving the highest level of safety in railway operations while enabling management oversight capabilities at all organizational levels. It integrates SMS within the enterprise risk management framework and ensures system applicability across operations, infrastructure, mechanical, and passenger services.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Requirements

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

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
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

Work Type

Permanent
Full-time
Hybrid work policy (depending on the position)

Experience Level

Senior Advisor
8-12+ years of experience

Education Level

University degree in engineering, safety, risk management, or related discipline.

Salary/Compensations

$100,000 - $120,000

Benefits

Flexible schedule
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

About the Company

VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure, building the future of transportation in Canada.
Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.
Working at VIA Rail means contributing to a mission that matters—connecting Canadians safely, sustainably, and efficiently.
Collaborative, inclusive, and innovation‑driven work environment

Equal Opportunity

VIA Rail is 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.