GIS Manager

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Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a highly specialized and experienced GIS Manager, to join our critical team on the prestigious Qiddiya Project in Riyadh. The GIS Manager leads complex production planning and delivery of geographic information system (GIS) services for large programs and projects. This role oversees sector‑wide GIS production, staffing coordination and technical guidance, using GIS principles, techniques and analyses to drive team productivity and ensure high‑quality geospatial deliverables.

The GIS Manager functions as the primary technical authority on GIS matters, defining data models, workflows and standards, and ensuring that spatial data is accurate, validated and fit for reliable analysis and decision‑making.

What you'll be doing:

• Oversee management of sector‑wide GIS initiatives, GIS production, functionalities, troubleshooting, practices and procedures.

• Provide expert guidance and assume responsibility for the quality of GIS deliverables developed for the program/project.

• Perform in a lead capacity for geospatial model delivery, management and integration with other digital models.

• Determine methods and solutions for complex GIS mapping challenges and select the most efficient plan for implementation.

• Participate in budget and cost forecasting analysis in support of the management team.

• Support preparation of competitive technical and commercial proposals, including GIS scope, approach and resource estimates.

• Communicate project objectives, plans and status to the project team and management, ensuring alignment on GIS activities and deliverables.

• Assist in developing initial level‑of‑effort estimates required to cover all GIS work within the proposed scope, with minimal supervision.

• Continuously monitor, evaluate and improve GIS delivery, identifying opportunities for automation, optimization and innovation.

• Provide leadership in defining data types, relationships, constraints and indexes to enable efficient querying and spatial analysis.

• Monitor team assignments and productivity; support management in organizing staffing/resource assignments for GIS tasks.

• Train and develop team members, including:

  • Developing training plans and supervising training needs assessments
  • Creating detailed training manuals and GIS tutorial videos
  • Providing advanced technical support and coaching in the use of GIS systems, software and databases

• Manage spatial accuracy of data representations to ensure reliable spatial analysis.

• Advance and confirm data completeness and validation for robust spatial analysis and decision‑making.

• Serve as subject matter expert and primary contact for client(s) and agencies on all technical GIS matters.

• Generate detailed reports on GIS delivery, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and progress metrics.

• Oversee development of model builders and customized tools to streamline geospatial tasks and workflows.

• Oversee implementation and optimization of database design and administration processes for spatial data.

• Manage databases to maintain accuracy, consistency and integrity of geospatial data.

• Oversee management and tracking of task assignments, data management activities, preparation of data model structures and data transformation processes.

• Oversee definition and enforcement of topology rules to maintain data integrity and spatial accuracy.

• Maintain a risk‑averse approach while reviewing geospatial outputs and proposing mitigation solutions for identified risks.

• Collaborate with project teams for effective integration of GIS models with engineering, BIM and other digital models.

• Perform in an advisory capacity to senior management on GIS‑related work matters, including strategy, technology adoption and resourcing.

• Perform other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

What required skills you'll bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline (or equivalent work experience).

• 10 years of related work experience in GIS, spatial data management or geospatial analysis, including significant experience on large programs/projects.

• Expert knowledge of commonly used core GIS, Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Management (BIM) software/database packages and workflows.

• Expert knowledge of complex GIS production for large programs and projects, including multi‑site and multi‑disciplinary environments.

• Ability to apply concepts to assignments including:

  • Developing and managing workflows and processes

  • Troubleshooting and providing innovative solutions

  • Conducting capacity and capability assessments for GIS task teams

  • Staying current with emerging GIS technologies and setting GIS priorities

• Advanced skill in programming and scripting languages for GIS and automation tasks (e.g. Python, JavaScript).

• Ability to perform in a managerial capacity for database delivery, with effective leadership and organizational skills.

• Effective leadership skills; capable of directing, guiding and supervising production staff in geospatial work.

• Proficiency in building information modelling software and understanding of GIS–BIM data integration principles.

• Ability to lead and direct staff on GIS systems, software/technologies, database use and best practices.

• Ability to generate detailed reports on GIS delivery for projects/programs, including KPI reporting and tracking.

• Expert proficiency in various hardware and software used in GIS, CAD and BIM, and ability to manage hardware and software deployments in coordination with IT and responsible parties.

• Ability to confirm that security settings and dedicated server sites for GIS data are effectively managed.

• Expert understanding of Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) standard practices and procedures; capable of guiding staff on quality implementation.

• Strong understanding of desktop, web and mobile GIS applications, and associated workbenches/tools.

• Ability to stay engaged with current technology and industry trends as they apply to GIS practices and standards.

• Ability to communicate modelling, survey and GIS technical and non‑technical subjects clearly with management, engineering and production staff.

What desired skills you'll bring:

• GIS‑related certification (e.g. GISPGISPGISP, Esri Technical Certifications or equivalent) is preferred.
  

Key Relationships:

• Supervision Received: Manager / Director

• Supervision Given: Lower‑level team members (GIS Analysts, Specialists, Technicians)

• Internal Contacts: All employees on the project/program (engineering, BIM, planning, project controls, digital delivery).

• External Contacts: Typically none; may act as client or agency point of contact on technical GIS matters as required.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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