Associate Director, GIS

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an Associate Director, GIS to lead complex, multi‑project geospatial programs while setting technical standards, architecting scalable solutions, and growing capability. Balance hands‑on technical leadership with team development, operation oversight, and consultative client engagement. The role is based in South Africa centres:
Centurion (Pretoria), Durban, or Bellville (Cape Town).

• Contribute to the geospatial technical strategy, standards, and patterns for enterprise‑scale delivery.
• Implement solutions spanning data models, analytics workflows, ArcGIS Enterprise patterns, and automation—optimising for accuracy, performance, scalability, and security.
• Drive automation and quality using Python/Arc Py, FME (Form & Flow), Model Builder, and reproducible workflows; apply Arcade where appropriate.
• Deliver modern visualisation and UX via ArcGIS Experience Builder (Web Experience) and Dashboards, and enable field operations with Survey
  123 and Field Maps.
• Ensure robust enterprise/file geodatabase stewardship (schema design, standards, metadata, versioning) and integration with CAD/BIM, databases (SQL), and APIs.
• Apply advanced analytics patterns (e.g., multi‑criteria decision analysis for site selection) and support emerging digital‑twin use cases.
• Oversee delivery across large/complex or multi‑disciplinary programmes; assure scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
• Govern consistent workflows, documentation, metadata, and QA/QC, including internal/client Technical Quality Review (TQR) and senior technical reviews.
• Proactively manage risks, dependencies, and interfaces with engineering, environmental, and digital teams; continuously improve workflows and delivery efficiency.
• Act as a senior technical advisor, translating complex needs into practical geospatial solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Lead/shape proposals, cost estimates, solution design, and pricing in alignment with approved business governance; contribute to market strategy and strategic pursuits.
• Build, maintain and grow long‑term client relationships, with emphasis on environment sector needs and value.
• Proactively enhance the profile and market presence of the Geospatial business by leading client development workshops, producing and presenting thought leadership, and contributing to industry award submissions.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team; mentor and line‑manage staff, set expectations, and support clear development pathways.
• Contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Geospatial team, ensuring that your team is collaborative while balancing resources across portfolios; monitor utilisation, margin, and delivery health; intervene early on risks.
• Champion a culture of standards, governance, reusability, and continuous automation across regions/offices.
• Participate in Safety, Health & Environment activities and ensure personal and team responsibilities are met.

Minimum requirements:

• Degree in geospatial science, GIS, environmental/data science, engineering, or related field.
• Typically a minimum of 10 years delivering enterprise or large/complex geospatial programmes.
• Portfolio demonstrating enterprise GIS design, automation, analytics, data governance, and successful delivery.
• Strong consultative skills, including executive‑level communication and solution shaping.
• Proficiency in English, verbal and written, with emphasis on technical GIS communication.

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, Experience Builder/Web Experience, Dashboards, Field Maps, Survey
  123.
• Python/Arc Py, Arcade, FME (Form & Flow), Model Builder.
• SQL, Power BI; CAD/BIM integration; API integration.

• Chartered or professionally registered status (or local equivalent).
• Substantial environment project experience: linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, CCS, hydrogen, nuclear, airports, marine, master planning, permitting & Environmental Impact Assessments.
• Experience working on UK projects, including familiarity with UK standards, regulations, and delivery contexts.
• Familiarity with open‑source geospatial (QGIS, Geo Pandas) and cloud/web GIS patterns.
• Project management certification (PMP/PRINCE2) or demonstrated equivalent programme control capability.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.