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At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

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.

Strong preference for experience supporting UK-based environmental programs (e.g. linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, carbon capture & storage, master planning, permitting & Environmental Impact Assessments)

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule to include both office and remote work opportunities and can be based in  one of the following South Africa centers: Centurion (Pretoria), Durban or Bellville (Cape Town).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Technical Leadership

• 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—optimizing for accuracy, performance, scalability, and security.
• Drive automation and quality using Python/ArcPy, FME (Form & Flow), ModelBuilder, and reproducible workflows; apply Arcade where appropriate.
• Deliver modern visualization and UX via ArcGIS Experience Builder (Web Experience) and Dashboards and enable field operations with Survey123 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.

 Program & Project Delivery

• Oversee delivery across large/complex or multi‑disciplinary programs; 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.

Client Consulting & Growth

• 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.

People Operations & Safety

• 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 utilization, margin, and delivery health; intervene early on risks.
• Champion a culture of standards, governance, reusability, and continuous automation across regions/offices.
• Participate in SHE (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 programs.
• 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 (CVs must be submitted in English).

Technical Stack

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, Experience Builder/Web Experience, Dashboards, Field Maps, Survey123
• Python/ArcPy, Arcade, FME (Form & Flow), ModelBuilder
• SQL, Power BI; CAD/BIM integration; API integration

Preferred Requirements:

• Chartered or professionally registered status (or local equivalent, e.g., SAGC, ECSA, or nationally recognized licensing/accreditation)
• Substantial Environment project experience: linear infrastructure, offshore/onshore wind, solar, CCS, hydrogen, nuclear, airports, marine, master planning, permitting & EIA.
• Experience working on UK projects, including familiarity with UK standards, regulations, and delivery contexts.
• Familiarity with open‑source geospatial (e.g., QGIS, GeoPandas) and cloud/web GIS patterns.
• Project management certification (PMP/PRINCE2) or demonstrated equivalent program control capability (planning, risk management).

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

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.