Job Description – Senior Director, GIS
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Director – GIS to lead and implement the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) strategy for one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious giga-projects. This role is responsible for establishing and managing a world-class GIS framework, ensuring seamless integration of geospatial data into planning, development, and operational activities.
The Senior Director – GIS will play a critical role in leveraging advanced geospatial technologies to support decision-making, enhance digital infrastructure, and drive innovation within the project. This is an opportunity to contribute to a transformative initiative that will redefine the landscape of entertainment, tourism, and urban development.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & GIS Implementation
- Develop and execute the GIS vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligning with the project's long-term objectives.
- Establish GIS governance frameworks, policies, and standards to ensure data consistency, accuracy, and security.
- Lead the integration of GIS with smart city infrastructure, digital twin technologies, and real-time spatial analytics.
- Oversee the design and deployment of GIS databases, applications, and geospatial platforms to support urban planning, construction, and asset management.
- Identify opportunities to leverage emerging GIS technologies such as AI, IoT, and remote sensing to enhance operational efficiency.
Geospatial Data Management & Analysis
- Oversee the collection, processing, storage, and visualization of geospatial data to support key business functions.
- Ensure the availability of high-quality geospatial data for planning, environmental impact assessment, and infrastructure development.
- Drive the use of geospatial analytics and spatial modeling to support strategic decision-making.
Cross-functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with urban planners, engineers, environmental experts, and digital transformation teams to integrate GIS solutions into various project phases.
- Provide geospatial insights to leadership and key stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making.
- Establish partnerships with external vendors, research institutions, and technology providers to drive GIS innovation.
Operational Excellence & Team Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing GIS team, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
- Ensure compliance with international GIS standards, data privacy regulations, and best practices.
- Manage GIS budgets, vendor contracts, and technology investments to optimize resources.
- Promote continuous improvement in GIS processes, tools, and methodologies.
Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geomatics, Geography, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum 15+ years of GIS leadership experience in large-scale development, infrastructure, smart cities, or urban planning projects.
- Technical Expertise:
- Strong proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS, geospatial databases, remote sensing, LiDAR, and spatial analysis tools.
- Knowledge of cloud-based GIS solutions, geospatial AI, digital twin technologies, and geospatial analytics.
- Experience integrating GIS with BIM, CAD, and IoT applications.
- Leadership & Strategy:
- Proven ability to develop and implement enterprise-level GIS strategies.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams and multi-stakeholder projects.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex geospatial insights to non-technical audiences.
What's in it for you?
- Be part of a world-class, visionary giga-project that is shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.
- Work with top industry experts in a cutting-edge, technology-driven environment.
- Drive innovation in GIS and smart city applications.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package in a dynamic, fast-growing organization.
Expressions of interest to nicky.harrison@mrgglobal.com