Description

Reporting to the Senior Director, Logistics and Port Performance, the Rail Assets Project Manager is responsible for the integrated management, operation, maintenance, and performance of a fleet of captive locomotives operating within the Port of Montreal.

He or she plans, coordinates, and oversees activities related to the use, maintenance, and reliability of rail equipment, working closely with an external service provider. He or she indirectly supervises resources assigned to operations and maintenance, while ensuring compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and contractual commitments.

Through their technical and operational expertise, the incumbent optimizes locomotive availability, the quality of rail service, and operating costs, thereby contributing to the overall performance and smooth flow of port operations.

He or she also contributes to the strategic planning of rail assets by participating in the identification of investment needs, the optimization of equipment lifecycles, and initiatives to modernize operations.


Manage the day-to-day operations of the locomotive fleet
  • Plan and coordinate daily operations involving in-house locomotives.
  • Optimize equipment availability, performance, and utilization in accordance with the Port’s operational needs.
  • Coordinate rapid corrective actions in the event of breakdowns, incidents, or mechanical failures.
  • Monitor, analyze, and document performance indicators (availability, reliability, utilization time, MTBF, MTTR, costs) and recommend actions to improve overall performance.
  • Identify opportunities for operational optimization and implement improvement measures.


Ensure functional oversight of external resources and supplier management
  • Supervise, monitor, and support external supplier employees assigned to operations, maintenance, and technical support activities.
  • Verify that work performed complies with Port standards and contractual requirements.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and collaborate on the ongoing training of external personnel.
  • Conduct performance reviews, operational audits, and coordination meetings with the supplier.
  • Evaluate the supplier’s performance based on service level agreements (SLAs) and recommend improvements.


Ensure equipment maintenance and regulatory compliance
  • Plan, coordinate, and approve preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
  • Ensure that maintenance and regulatory compliance records are kept up to date.
  • Coordinate with specialized suppliers for major repairs, inspections, and certifications.
  • Develop and maintain a program for the continuous improvement of maintenance practices (reliability enhancement, failure analysis, cost/time optimization).
  • Ensure the longevity and performance of railway assets.


Ensure safety, risk, and compliance management
  • Apply and enforce occupational health and safety standards as well as applicable railway regulations.
  • Identify operational risks and implement appropriate corrective measures.
  • Participate in or lead investigations of incidents involving equipment or external resources.
  • Promote a culture of proactive safety and continuous improvement.


Coordinate with stakeholders
  • Serve as a liaison between rail operations, internal teams, and external suppliers.
  • Provide regular reports on fleet performance and operational issues.
  • Collaborate on initiatives to transform, modernize, and optimize rail operations.
  • Contribute to strategic discussions regarding the evolution of rail operations


Financial Management and Capital Projects (CAPEX/OPEX)
  • Monitor and control operating, maintenance, and contract costs related to rail assets.
  • Identify opportunities for financial optimization and recommend actions to improve overall performance.
  • Participate in budget planning and ensure rigorous monitoring of expenditures.
  • Identify investment needs and contribute to the planning of capital projects (CAPEX).
  • Participate in defining requirements, preparing requests for proposals, and analyzing bids.
  • Monitor investment projects (costs, timelines, quality).
  • Conduct life-cycle cost (LCC) analyses to optimize investments.


Contribute to innovation and continuous improvement
  • Identify and propose improvements to operational and maintenance processes.
  • Implement initiatives aimed at improving reliability, safety, and overall performance.
  • Contribute to initiatives to transform and modernize operations
  • Identify and implement innovative solutions (predictive maintenance, digitalization, automation)
  • Evaluate new technologies applicable to equipment and recommend their adoption.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, or industrial) or an equivalent combination of experience.
  • Seven (7) to ten (10) years of relevant experience in project management.
  • Experience managing and supervising staff, including personnel from external suppliers.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical, electrical, and control systems (a significant asset).
  • Proficiency in fleet management, maintenance, or operational planning tools.
  • Good knowledge of railway safety standards and industrial environments.
  • Ability to work in a demanding operational environment.
  • Bilingualism (French and English) is an asset.