Head, Public Transit Safety

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Head, Public Transit Safety to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive safety program for our Transit Division. This role is responsible for cultivating a robust safety culture across on-road and transit infrastructure operations. You will ensure full regulatory compliance while advancing safety standards for our public transit system. Collaborating closely with the Director of Transit, you will take ownership of safety risk programs, conduct investigations, and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety performance metrics.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design and implement a comprehensive safety program for the Transit Division, aligned with the Corporate Safety Program, focusing on public, customer, and infrastructure safety adhering to safety regulations including the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and all other federal, provincial, and local legislation.

• Maintain compliance with safety regulations through routine audits, assessments, and updates to policies, ensuring that all safety practices align with evolving standards.
• Establish and implement transit safety management systems, policies, and standards for on-road and infrastructure safety.
• Provide advice on managing safety risks in the context of organizational change, technology upgrades, and other transformation initiatives affecting transit operations.
• Own the Transit Risk and Investigation Program, overseeing the investigation of serious accidents or incidents, determining root causes, and developing recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Lead the creation, review, and continuous improvement of transit safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that cover bus operations, transit facilities, and infrastructure.
• Create and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to transit safety, providing regular reports to stakeholders on safety performance trends, audit findings, and compliance metrics.
• Act as the subject matter expert on all matters related to transit safety, offering technical direction and support to colleagues, managers, and senior leaders.
• Provide expert guidance on safety issues related to transit operations, customer safety, and public infrastructure to stakeholders including higher-order governments and community organizations.
• Coordinate with federal, provincial, and municipal safety regulators to promote compliance, share safety data, and participate in joint safety initiatives or training programs.
  

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Safety Risk Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent work experience in a safety-focused role, particularly within transit, transportation, or public infrastructure, will also be considered.
• Minimum 10+ Years of experience, in transit safety, operational safety standards, and safety investigation principles.
• Strong understanding of Canadian safety regulations including OHSA and HTA.
• Proven ability to lead and conduct complex safety investigations, including root cause analysis, evidence collection, and developing clear, actionable recommendations for preventing recurrence.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decisions and foster a safety-first culture
• In-depth understanding of safety regulations and compliance requirements, with experience in ensuring adherence to local, provincial, and federal laws governing public transit safety..
• Strong decision-making skills with a detailed understanding of risk management and human factors in transit safety.
• Familiarity with safety management software, incident reporting tools, and other technologies used to track and analyze safety performance.