Senior Advisor Transit Strategy

Develop transit strategies and strategic advice. Translate business priorities and emerging issues into clear objectives, focused questions and workplans, taking ownership of assigned analyses and strategy workstreams.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, research and peer benchmarking to assess options and test assumptions. Connect customer, operational, financial and policy considerations; recommend a course of action with clear trade-offs, risks, resource implications and requirements for implementation.

Work with colleagues across Metrolinx and, through established channels, external partners to develop and test proposals. Facilitate focused discussions and workshops, reconcile different perspectives and build support for workable recommendations.

Advance assigned strategic initiatives from recommendations into agreed next steps. Develop implementation approaches, coordinate contributions and track milestones and dependencies. Anticipate obstacles, propose solutions and bring decisions or material risks to the Senior Manager in time to act.

Help shape and advance innovation pilots: define the opportunity, develop the rationale and scope, establish success measures, and work with partners on delivery and evaluation. Use results to recommend whether to refine, expand or discontinue an approach.

Respond to emerging and ad hoc strategic requests with timely analysis and advice. Clarify the required decision, synthesize available evidence and identify gaps, making sound judgments about when to investigate further, seek input or escalate.

Translate analysis and stakeholder input into clear recommendations, executive briefings and presentations. Explain the implications, decisions required and practical next steps, and present findings to senior audiences and relevant internal and external forums

Completion of a degree in business, economics, public policy or related discipline, or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent.

Demonstrated experience developing strategies and advancing complex initiatives, including responsibility for substantive analysis, recommendations and delivery of defined workstreams. Relevant experience from a range of sectors is welcome; prior transit sector experience is not required.

Strong strategic problem-solving and systems-thinking skills: ability to structure ambiguous issues, connect objectives and dependencies across an organization, evaluate options and translate strategic choices into feasible actions.

Strong research and analytical skills, combining qualitative and quantitative evidence, testing assumptions and assessing the strengths and limitations of available information. Ability to assess performance, costs, benefits and trade-offs, interpret evidence critically and draw sound conclusions that inform strategic decisions.

Political acuity and sound judgment in a complex stakeholder environment. Ability to understand organizational and public-sector decision processes, recognize sensitivities and competing interests, handle confidential information and know when to seek direction or escalate.

Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships, facilitate productive discussions and influence without direct authority. Confidence engaging senior colleagues, challenging ideas respectfully and working constructively through differing perspectives.

Demonstrated experience turning complex analysis into clear insights and actionable recommendations for senior audiences. Strong writing, presentation and visual communication skills, including preparing concise briefing materials and presentations.

Ability to manage concurrent assignments, organize contributions from others and deliver quality work to agreed timelines. A proactive approach to identifying issues, proposing solutions and following through. Experience shaping or advancing innovation pilots, testing new approaches or evaluating initiatives is an asset.