Lead GIS Architect

Lead GIS Architect Outside IR35 6months+ The Lead GIS Architect will be part the geosolutions team and lead the development and implementation of GIS solutions, ensuring that spatial data and mapping technologies align to the client project and strategic needs. This position requires a deep understanding of GIS principles, architecture, and best practices, as well as the ability to manage teams and projects effectively. Key Responsibilities * Architectural Design o Develop and maintain the overall GIS architecture, including data models, application frameworks, and integration strategies. o Ensure the architecture supports scalability, performance, and security requirements. * Project Management: o Lead GIS projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. o Coordinate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external partners to gather requirements and define project scope. * Technical Leadership: o Provide technical guidance and mentorship to GIS analysts, developers, and other team members. o Stay up-to-date with the latest GIS technologies and trends, recommending new tools and techniques as appropriate. * Data Management: o Oversee the collection, storage, and analysis of spatial data, ensuring data integrity and quality. o Develop and implement data governance policies and procedures. * System Integration: o Design and implement integration strategies for GIS with other enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, and other databases). o Collaborate with IT to ensure infrastructure meets GIS needs. * User Support and Training: o Provide support and training to end-users, helping them effectively utilize GIS tools and applications. o Develop user documentation and training materials. * Stakeholder Engagement: o Communicate with stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure GIS solutions meet business requirements. o Present findings and recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders. * Quality Assurance: o To ensure GIS products meet standards and user expectations. o Conduct regular reviews and audits of GIS projects and processes. * Budget Management: o Assist in the preparation and management of the GIS budget, ensuring efficient use of resources. Job Requirements Essential Skills Education * Bachelor's degree in Geography, Geospatial Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience * 7+ years of experience in GIS, with at least 3 years in a leadership or architectural role * Proven experience in managing GIS projects and teams. Technical Skills * Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL). * Experience with cloud-based GIS solutions and enterprise GIS architecture. * Knowledge of spatial databases (e.g., PostGIS, Oracle Spatial). Soft Skills * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively. * Leadership and team management capabilities. * Domain Experience * Railways, Government especially in UK, Utilities (Electric, Water, and Gas) and Insurance Nice to Have Skills * A collaborative teammate who appreciates the value of communicating, brainstorming and sharing information * Enthusiastic and career driven problem solver who enjoys widely varied technical challenges * Able to travel to client sites in and out of the region (typically infrequent multi-day trips or rare multi-week trips, currently in the UK but potentially overseas in future) * Willing to perform duties outside of the basic job description and quickly expand skill set into new areas * Able to thrive in a dynamic environment with rapidly changing objectives and priorities * A GIS evangelist who comfortably and enthusiastically engages non-techies in discussions about technology Qualifications * Certifications in GIS (e.g., GISP, ESRI Technical Certification). * Familiarity with remote sensing, cartography, and spatial analysis techniques. * Experience in specific industries (e.g., railways, utilities, telecom, government, urban planning, environmental management, transportation) is an advantage. Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.