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 safety management system required by railway SMS regulations. This role ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal requirements, working closely with senior operations leaders and Transport Canada's railway safety department. The position oversees safety performance monitoring, trend analysis, corrective action planning, audits, consultation, communication, and effectiveness verification. It also provides strategic advice to enhance safety objectives, targets, and performance indicators, helping the organization achieve the highest level of safety in railway operations while fostering management oversight capabilities at all organizational levels. The role collaborates with other professionals to integrate effective governance of risks related to railway safety, occupational health and safety, environment, security, and operations.

Responsibilities

Designs, implements, and continuously improves the corporate SMS framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and integration of safety, security, OHS, environment, and operational risks.
Translates regulatory requirements and ISO standards (e.g., 45001/14001) into scalable processes; maintains key SMS processes and ensures alignment between compliance, event management, safety concerns, corrective actions, and performance targets.
Standardizes documentation and methods, promotes continuous improvement based on industry best practices, and supports operational managers to ensure effective SMS implementation.
Develops and maintains frameworks and processes to identify, manage, and ensure compliance with railway safety regulatory instruments, with traceability to internal procedures.
Collaborates with Regulatory Affairs to oversee frameworks related to the Railway Safety Act, monitor regulatory changes, and coordinate the integration of requirements, reporting, and regulatory filings.
Establishes communication, compliance monitoring, and accountability mechanisms, and collaborates with Transport Canada – Railway Safety on SMS requirements and related legislation.
Develops and maintains assurance frameworks (monitoring, internal audits, performance evaluation) to measure SMS compliance and establish methods for evaluating effectiveness based on evolving requirements.
Defines performance indicators, targets, and reporting tools to assess effectiveness and support management oversight through clear governance and increased accountability.
Leads internal and external audits, presents findings to senior management, and promotes continuous improvement based on findings and performance analyses.
Develops consultation and communication frameworks aligned with regulatory requirements.
Implements internal mechanisms for reporting hazards and non-conformities without fear of reprisal.
Promotes a proactive safety culture within the organization.
Supports and advises managers in understanding and applying SMS principles.
Integrates the SMS into the enterprise risk management framework.
Ensures the system's applicability to operations, infrastructure, rolling stock, and passenger services.
Provides expert advisory support to operational leaders for controlling and reducing safety-related impacts.
Fosters cross-functional alignment and system consistency.

Requirements

University degree in engineering, health and safety, risk management, or a related discipline.
8 to 12+ years of experience in railway safety, safety management systems (SMS), or a regulated transportation environment.
In-depth knowledge of Transport Canada's Railway Safety Management System Regulations and its regulatory environment.
Experience in developing or evolving management systems (SMS, occupational health and safety, environment, ISO standards).
Demonstrated expertise in governance frameworks, assurance systems, and regulatory compliance structures.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both official languages (French and English).
Demonstrated ability to present to large audiences, including senior management and executive-level stakeholders.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Recognized experience in drafting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Ability to develop strategic plans and ensure their rigorous execution.
Collaborative spirit, adaptability, and ability to learn quickly 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 desired.

Skills

Safety Management Systems (SMS)
Railway Safety
Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management
Governance Frameworks
Assurance Systems
Policy Development
Strategic Planning
Communication (Written and Oral)
Presentation Skills
Analytical Skills
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Collaboration
Adaptability
Continuous Improvement
Leadership
Microsoft 365
Power BI
Teams
SharePoint
Power Automate (Flow)

Location

Canada

Work Type

Permanent
Full-time
Hybrid

Experience Level

Senior
8-12+ years

Education Level

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

Salary/Compensations

$100,000 - $120,000

Benefits

Competitive and comprehensive compensation package
Flexible schedule
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
Continuous learning opportunities (e.g., Power BI, advanced analytics, project management)
Advancement opportunities within a transforming organization
Collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-focused work environment

About the Company

VIA Rail has ambitious projects for modernizing its services and infrastructure, including new state-of-the-art train fleets and continuous infrastructure improvement projects, preparing for the future of transportation in Canada.
Working at VIA Rail means contributing to a meaningful mission: connecting Canadians safely, sustainably, and efficiently.
Join our 3,000 employees and contribute to offering a safe, accessible, and eco-responsible way to travel!

Equal Opportunity

VIA Rail is proud to subscribe to the principle of equal employment opportunity and works to build teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
We aim to eliminate barriers to employment accessibility and strive to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where every person is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.
If you need assistance making the recruitment process more accessible, please let us know. Accommodations can be provided to those who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received regarding accommodations will remain confidential.