Senior Specialist, Network Operations

Leads the coordination of operational and capital planning activities across the Metrolinx Network, using business tools to provide accurate and timely information on current and future capital investments to inform future GO/UP rail services.

Monitors and evaluates performance at the rail terminals, outposts, and layovers, identifying risks and trends that impact fleet and facility operations, and collaborates with business units (e.g., Rail Operations, Rail Fleet and Facility Maintenance) to develop, plan and coordinate proactive strategies for operational enhancements including new processes, equipment and/or methodologies to improve fleet and facility maintenance services.

Review and approve construction project workplans at the rail facilities to ensure construction efforts have minimal impacts on operations.

Continuously evaluates alternative routing and operational solutions, analyzing historical data and contingency plans to optimize service continuity, prioritize customer satisfaction, and improve network management.

Reviews and refines documentation on capital projects (e.g. Concept of Operations plans, Requests for Information, Design Deviations and Construction Workplans) to ensure new and expanded rail facilities are suitable to support future fleet and facility maintenance needs.

Assists in business continuity planning, ensuring the timely coordination of preemptive strategies, incident response protocols, and mitigation measures to protect service integrity and daily operations at rail facilities.

Assesses the operational impacts of planned infrastructure and maintenance activities, recommending ways to minimize maintenance and service disruptions, ensuring daily maintenance efforts to support rail revenue services are prioritized. 

Identifies and addresses network vulnerabilities related to seasonal weather patterns, infrastructure conditions, and external service dependencies, ensuring risk mitigation strategies are incorporated into contingency plans.

Strong problem solving and influencing skills to establish effective working relationships, negotiate, and deal with a variety of contacts, both internal and external to the organization; along the ability to gain corporation from individuals not under direct authority.

Collaborates closely with operational partner offices (e.g. Fleet Maintenance, Rail Operations, Environmental Management, Operational Safety) to relay critical information on construction-related disruptions to mitigate impacts to daily operations.

Participate in the development and implementation of operational processes to enhance consistency, efficiency, and compliance with business best practices and standards.

Support the implementation of new technological tools, automation, and best practices to modernize operations and improve efficiency.

Driven to be operationally excellent through a culture of continuous improvement – foster a proactive approach to structure problem-solving, encouraging innovation and process enhancements.

Ensures cost-effective and efficient use of resources (e.g., use of additional equipment/resources) when developing alternative delivery methodologies for performing maintenance services at rail facilities.

Reduces operational costs through improved resource scheduling, fleet and staff utilization, and implementation of process improvements that enhance efficiency and eliminate wasteful activities.

Meets service delivery objectives and manages project and department activities within budgetary limits as it relates to all activities on the Metrolinx network.

Monitors project and program progress to deliver program objectives on time and within budget, achieving anticipated business results.

Assists in training, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional learning opportunities, ensuring operational staff have the necessary information and resources to execute contingency plans and service adjustments effectively.

Facilitates post-incident debriefings and learning sessions, identifying lessons learned and recommending improvements for future operational resilience.

Promotes a proactive approach to structured problem-solving, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within Rail and Fleet Operations.

Interpersonal and oral/written/presentation skills to present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity and to liaise with all levels within and outside the organization and with specialists across multiple sectors.

Other duties as assigned.