Job Description Job Title - The Director, GO Expansion Sponsor

Job Duration - 12 Months Contract

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team.

Metrolinx is expanding the GO Transit Rail network to bring two-way, all day rail service every 15 minutes or better along core segments of the network. Union Station is the largest transit hub in the GO rail system and is undergoing much needed modernization to meet transit needs now, and in the future. There are multiple projects planned and underway at Union Station, all working towards the same goal – preparing the Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC) for GO Expansion service levels. As Metrolinx plans for a faster and more frequent train service, it is considering options for a new rail fleet.

The Director, GO Expansion Sponsor – Union Station Rail Corridor & Fleet position directs multi-disciplinary project teams implementing the day-to-day management of high profile and politically sensitive projects, as noted above. Strengthens strategic project planning, improves coordination and decision-making through enhancement of governance mechanisms, enhances collaboration using project management approaches, assigning key functions and roles on a principled basis, clarifying roles, identifying external expertise and realigning resources, as appropriate.

Functional/Technical

• Provides senior leadership and direction for the day-to-day project management of diverse teams consisting of external consultants, contractors, etc. Ensures that the assigned projects are correctly planned and executed to meet, or overachieve, goals, cost and schedule requirements as defined by Metrolinx.
• Ensures coordinated project planning and management, including identifying and mitigating project risks, effective use of internal/external resources and the implementation of an overarching strategic communications strategy. Leads business process reviews related to projects and change management strategies while making decisions that reinforce a culture of continuous improvement.
• Manages projects through the various stages providing advice and recommendations to the Vice President, Sponsor office, members of the senior management team and the corporate investment panel.
• Provides subject matter expertise to project teams and integrates business information into the project design. Manages the work of external project advisors and specialists while ensuring integration of business information into accountable projects across Metrolinx.
• Establishes effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders including passenger services, rail network outcomes and futures to ensure the wider strategic picture is reflected within business case development and project framework. Engages with external stakeholders (e.g. business and rail industry) to ensure effective and strategic communications strategies are in place.
• Identifies opportunities, risks and applies political acuity and relationship management skills to analyze/assess and mitigate, as appropriate; develops and directs mitigation strategies that are in compliance with Metrolinx policies and processes. Monitors risks, constraints and contingencies to avoid additional project costs, penalties and delays and makes recommendations regarding investments and risks. Circumstances change and/or poor results are anticipated.
• Directs the preparation of detailed reports (Board reports, presentations for major public meetings, etc.); edits and provides input to project staff prepared reports and/or proposals in response to Board and senior management requests, emerging legislative and regulatory requirements. Delivers, or supports the delivery, of presentations to the Board and/or at public meetings.
• Acts as technical expert to the Vice President, Sponsorship and other senior managers and colleague directors on complex technical and financial issues relating to projects.

Customer/Stakeholder

• Builds supportive and collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g. municipal officials, NGOs, landowners) during the preliminary planning, and business case development stages of transportation and land use planning projects to define requirements, support negotiations, identify / assess risks and address strategic project planning issues to address
• Increases collaboration and clarifies clear accountability, decision making structures and implementation capability
• Integrates formal and informal processes to communicate, influence and share information with program areas, specialists, contractors, consultants, partner business units/divisions and stakeholders
• Creates and maintains relationships with senior decision makers to protect and promote the public interest, the corporate reputation, vision, values and goals
• Develops and builds upon working relationships with internal partners/stakeholders, external agencies and diverse interest groups to anticipate issues that may arise in the project delivery, supports negotiations on behalf of corporate interests and provides strategic advice on impacts on projects of inter-governmental negotiations
• Works with Communications and Public Affairs to develop presentation materials and communications/public relations strategies, in preparation for meetings and presentations at high profile and potentially politically sensitive meetings with key stakeholders, interest groups and members of the public

Operational Excellence

• Supports the Vice President, Sponsor Office by determining / developing project frameworks, drafting business cases, confirming funding, setting performance requirements and measures (KPIs), including the operational and projected timing requirements
• Maintains a focus on the day-to-day project operations ensuring best practices in related industries and other jurisdictions are incorporated into project planning frameworks
• Conducts the evaluation of project and program alternatives, including leveraging financial and procurement strategies to deliver on the projects; participates in studies and makes recommendations for executive decision-making on transformation changes within area of responsibility
• Makes timely decisions clarifying the business context of projects and providing relevant direction
• Leads the delivery of high-profile transformation change projects supporting the transformation of the organization.
• Anticipates and manages project issues; supports the development of business cases to secure support for initiatives and new programs/projects; ensures that any (current or anticipated) organizational changes do not compromise the project

Financial Stewardship

• Monitors project progress to ensure that project planning objectives are delivered on time and within budget. Meets service delivery objectives and manages project activities within budgetary limits
• Directs and monitors the development and management of project budgets

People Leadership

• Creates a working environment that is aligned with the organization’s desire to be a “best company to work for”, ensuring that people resources possess the required skills, are properly aligned, and are provided with the resources to do the job
• Demonstrates leadership and core competencies at a high level of development and is an exemplary model of living the corporate Values and Code of Ethics
• Provides senior leadership oversight and direction to project teams (e.g. defines team member roles, responsibilities, and expectations); delivers timely feedback to ensure an optimum use of team skills; manages project team and monitors work assignments for adherence to timelines; monitors the achievement of performance objectives; develops and implements action plans to address performance gaps
• Identifies opportunities for innovation while leading project teams to achieve deliverables; provides/ensures subject matter expertise is available in the area of complex transportation planning projects
• Provides creative thought leadership with input from others to develop and deploy the project sponsor’s strategic vision; connects and aligns projects with strategic corporate goals
• Provides on-going project management feedback and development planning
• Participates in the grievance and bargaining process, as appropriate

Education QUALIFICATIONS Completion of a degree in Planning, Economics, Business, Administration, Engineering, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related discipline – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent. An MBA would be an asset.

Experience Demonstrated years’ of senior management experience leading and developing corporate projects and strategy in a similar function, preferably with the broader public sector. Familiarity with rail sector and working in a project delivery environment leading large scale projects an asset.

Certifications or Designations PMP an asset

Technical Competencies

• Senior leadership skills and experience in transportation / transit land use planning within a multi-jurisdictional and multi-modal framework to lead, manage and coordinate project teams, and re-align activities to meet priorities; to provide technical and administrative leadership to multiple teams (e.g. Metrolinx Act, Places to Grow Act, Planning Act)
• Knowledge of human resources legislation (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, Occupational Health & Safety Act, etc.) and collective agreements to manage and direct project team employees, consultants, designers, and contractors
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Related Orders including disability accommodation and accessibility requirements pertaining to passengers and employees
• Ability to balance workload on concurrent, multi-disciplined projects and demonstrated ability to effectively motivate and lead staff
• Highly developed analytical, organizational, strategic planning and interpersonal skills; excellent business judgement; effective presentation, verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex information while simplifying technical issues for sponsors and senior executives
• Demonstrated negotiation and mediation skills are required for the successful resolution of project and contract related issues
• Working experience in all phases of project management, project planning, engineering, construction, contract administration and accounting
• Knowledge of project management theory, principles, techniques and applications, to provide expert operational leadership and authoritative advice to executive management. Knowledge of project management development methodologies, principles and practices, contract law and contract administration
• Project management skills to formulate project goals and objectives, prepare and monitor project budgets, conduct cost/benefit assessments for projects, and prepare and present information for project approvals; to monitor project activities for adherence to timelines, budgets and project objectives; to understand the inter-related aspects of large-scale project implementation.
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder management and influencing skills and the ability to work in collaboration with colleagues, contractors and stakeholders across organizational boundaries, building networks and addressing issues as the arise to ensure project deliverables; to build and influence value added relationships with diverse internal and external partners and stakeholder to achieve corporate wide objectives
• Strong understanding of the principles behind business process re-engineering, managing change, and what is required to make projects successful
• Strategic thinker with proven change management skills to lead transformative projects
• Communication skills to develop relationships with stakeholders and other directors; to advise, brief and influence senior and executive management on potential issues/conflicts.
• Strong negotiating skills to assert the organization’s overall interests and ensure that they are taken into account in strategic project planning; to effectively manage shared resources across projects.
• Highly developed presentation skills to lead committees and task groups; to prepare and present reports, recommendations and submissions.
• Administrative and financial management skills to facilitate decision-making with respect to financial, human and material project needs, project planning and budgeting.
• Knowledge of financial management, competitive tendering and contract administration practices; to manage budget and expenditure allocations consistent with annual work plans and project reporting requirements; knowledge of forecasting and calendarization; financial controls and audit.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a coherent strategy for targeting project resources according to need, predicted efficacy and net benefit to the organization
• Proven political acuity skills to recognize and respond to issues which may have impact for the Vice-President and the CEO; demonstrated ability to recognize and provide support to issues which may impact partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills from both a technical and a business audience perspective; ability to provide clear and concise answers to anticipated questions regarding project implementation procedures, progress and status
• Knowledge of project management software to effectively monitor project activity, milestones and delivery
• Leads development of requirements for major projects and programs and holds planning and delivery teams to account for meeting these requirements
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, procedures, professional or technical practices and precedents

Don’t Meet Every Requirement? If you’re excited about working with Metrolinx but your past experience doesn’t quite align with every qualification of this posting, we encourage you to apply. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are always looking for great talent to join our team.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations.

Accommodation We value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Metrolinx and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment. We are committed to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act so if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let our Recruitment team know by contacting us at: 416-202-5601 or email hr.recruitment@metrolinx.com .

Application Process All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time-sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate.

Should it be determined that any background information provided is misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

WE ARE AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER.