President and Chief Executive Officer (full-time position)
Location: Montréal, Quebec
VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) operates the nations passenger rail services on behalf of the Government of Canada, providing intercity passenger services and maintaining regional and essential remote passenger rail transportation, as approved by Treasury Board through VIA Rails annual Corporate Plan. The Corporations objectives are to manage and to provide a safe, secure, efficient, reliable and environmentally sustainable passenger rail service that meets the needs of travellers in Canada.
VIA Rail is currently completing the largest capital investment program in its history, valued at $1 billion and funded by the Government of Canada to modernize key elements of the passenger rail network. This program includes infrastructure investment, rebuilding of car and locomotive fleets, station upgrades and investment in Information Technology.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and Chief Executive Officer provides leadership and direction in all aspects of the Corporations activities, business performance and strategic development.
The ideal candidate should possess a degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study (e.g., business administration, engineering or law), or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience.
The ideal candidate would have significant experience as a chief executive officer or senior executive in a large, complex organization within a dynamic environment. Experience leading and developing high performance teams and managing financial resources, while dealing with the sensitivities of a large, unionized workforce within a regulated environment is desired. He or she would also have proven experience in reporting to, and/or working with, a board of directors of a large complex organization of significant size and scope. Experience working with and/or influencing public policy and governmental organizations such as Crown corporations, departments and agencies is sought. The candidate would have a significant commercial background with a record of generating revenue and market share within a customer-focused organization.
The ideal candidate would be knowledgeable of the mandate and mission of VIA Rail, its business activities, strategic priorities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation, including the Financial Administration Act. Knowledge and understanding of the transportation industry, including its competitive dynamics, the operations and risk management of rail and other modes, tourism/hospitality, and related sectors, is desired. The candidate would have knowledge and understanding of sound business practices and principles, including human resources and financial management as well as good corporate governance. Knowledge of the Canadian business, regulatory, and political environments, including the diversity of communities and stakeholders served by VIA Rail is sought.
