Master Planner, Major Projects

VIA Rail Canada•Montreal, QC

9d•CA$96,000 - CA$105,000•Onsite

About The Position

VIA Rail is undertaking ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure, including a new train fleet and infrastructure improvements, aiming to build the future of transportation in Canada and promote sustainable mobility. The Long-Distance, Regional and Remote Services (LDRR) team leads a strategic initiative with a nationwide impact, based primarily in Montreal. As the Senior LDRR Planner, you will play a key role in ensuring the seamless coordination of activities within a complex program, aligning stakeholders and suppliers with strategic objectives and timelines.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of experience in planning large-scale projects.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration.
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Strong expertise in strategic planning and integrated capacity management.
Knowledge of risk analysis and Monte Carlo simulation methodologies.
Knowledge of the railway industry and rolling stock manufacturing.
Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM).
Project management knowledge required; PMP certification is considered an asset.
Understanding of contractual considerations related to project planning.
Experience with monthly reporting and the production of project performance indicators.
Understanding of major technical interfaces.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in both French and English.
Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Advanced proficiency in MS Project, Primavera, EPM, and Excel, including complex scenario modelling.
Ability to communicate complex issues effectively to decision-makers and executives.
Strong leadership, organizational skills, and ability to guide teams.
Strategic mindset with the ability to establish clear priorities.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the integration of internal and external project schedules into a comprehensive and structured master plan in collaboration with the Program Manager, Project Director, and various stakeholders.
Integrate all LDRR Program project schedules into a single master program schedule, working closely with the Program Manager and Senior Master Planner.
Facilitate planning sessions with stakeholders to review project schedules, apply planning best practices, and ensure critical path alignment and consistency.
Support teams in implementing demand and capacity management practices using CPMO standards and the Enterprise Project Management (EPM/Project Online) solution.
Maintain the master project schedule, including internal resource schedules and external supplier timelines; track progress, anticipate risks and delays, and recommend corrective actions.
Participate in monitoring schedule quality, collaborate with project managers and project controllers to improve planning standards, and contribute to the development of planning processes.
Develop the overall resource plan, identify capacity gaps, and recommend resource adjustments as required.
Serve as the subject matter expert for planning and capacity management within the LDRR Program.
Participate in Monte Carlo analyses and risk assessments.