Property Lead, Rail & Transit

WSP is looking for a Property Lead, to join our Rail & Transit team, preferably located in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Reporting to the Group Manager, you will be responsible for managing a project or area’s property portfolio. This position involves extensive contact with third party agencies and project staff. This position requires 10 years of experience, primarily working in roles related to property acquisition.

As a member of the Rail & Transit team, you will be given opportunities to use your transferrable skills to define processes, create execution plans, mentor the junior team members, and be the technical lead for multiple projects/tasks. You will be supported by management to develop work plans and professional skills to become a strong leader in the consulting environment.

Why choose WSP?

• We value and are committed to upholding a culture of inclusion and belonging
• Our Flexible Work Policy – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.
• A Canadian success story - we're proud to wear the red and white of this beautiful country.
• Enhance the world around you - from the environment to the highways, to the buildings and the terrain, WSP is the fabric of Canada.
• Outstanding career opportunities - we're growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday.
• A phenomenal collaborative culture and a workforce filled with genuinely good people.

We offer attractive pay, flexible work options, a great corporate culture, comprehensive and employee-focused benefits including virtual healthcare and a wellness platform as well as great savings programs.

What you can expect do here:

• Prepare and implement Property Management Plan, which addresses roles and responsibilities, processes and procedures, applicable standards, and guidelines.
• Manage a project’s property portfolio, starting from identifying property acquisition requirements to handover while minimizing financial, environmental, and reputational risk.
• Work with the project team in early identification of properties that will require property management and/or demolitions.
• Lead the team in property portfolio optimization by finding ways to reduce property impacts.
• Lead property valuation exercises and prepare documents required for project estimation.
• Work with other disciplines to understand the effects on surrounding properties and offer solutions to minimize disruption.
• Capture property acquisition timelines and create a schedule for property acquisitions.
• Identify risks associated with property acquisition and develop, implement, and monitor risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify and engage with project stakeholders, understanding their needs and pursuing their buy-in for the project.
• Prepare presentations, drawings, and internal workflows as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you’ll bring to WSP:

• University degree or college diploma in Law, Real Estate, Appraisal, Business Administration, Geography, or Urban Planning.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Property acquisition or large-scale public infrastructure projects.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Property Acquisition Process for Government Infrastructure Projects within Ontario.
• Understanding of the project management process, including the need to meet cost and schedule requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in Property Acquisition in construction projects.
• Property Acquisition experience on transit or transportation projects with MTO, Metrolinx, TTC, and/or Regional Road.
• Experience with real estate principles and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of alternative project delivery methods, including design-build.
• Requires sound judgement; excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, verbal communication, and technical report writing skills.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with or knowledge of real estate & negotiation skills.
• International Right of Way Association designation preferred.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information System (GIS) and Geo Warehouse is an asset.
• Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge and/or experience of the expropriation processes would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the TPAP (Transit Project Assessment Process) would be considered an asset.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work successfully in multi-disciplinary teams and across different business units.
• Ability to adapt well to changes in direction and priorities in a project and deadline-oriented environment.
• Experience in a Consulting Engineering environment is an asset.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret and apply specifications, contracts, design documents, and coordinate technical projects.