Senior Manager - Urban Planning / GIS

Turner & Townsend; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Manager in Abu Dhabi to lead urban planning and GIS operations. The role focuses on data-informed decision making, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering complex urban development projects.

The ideal candidate brings 15+ years in urban planning, 5+ years in GIS, and proven management experience. You will influence municipal standards, collaborate with government bodies, and ensure projects meet regulatory requirements in the UAE.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in urban/regional planning.
• 5+ years of hands-on GIS experience with geospatial analysis tools.
• 5+ years of management or supervisory experience leading technical teams.
• Strong proficiency in spatial analysis, data modeling and geospatial db management.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban planning projects from conception through implementation.
• Oversee GIS operations, data management, and data security standards.
• Develop and execute strategic urban planning initiatives including land use and infrastructure.
• Mentor a team of urban planners and GIS analysts.
• Conduct spatial analysis and data modeling to support decisions.
• Collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to gather requirements.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Monitor industry trends and best practices in urban planning and GIS.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources.

Skills

Urban planning leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Communication

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.

Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 112offices worldwide.

Job Description

We're looking for an experienced Senior Manager - Urban Planning / GIS to join our organization in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee urban planning initiatives and geographic information systems operations, driving data-informed decision-making and shaping the future of urban development. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise in GIS with visionary urban planning knowledge and proven management capabilities to lead cross‑functional teams and deliver transformative projects.

• Lead and manage urban planning projects from conception through implementation, ensuring alignment with municipal objectives and regulatory requirements
• Oversee GIS operations and geospatial data management, establishing best practices for data accuracy, security, and accessibility
• Develop and execute strategic urban planning initiatives, including land use planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth strategies
• Manage and mentor a team of urban planners, GIS analysts, and technical staff, fostering professional development and high performance
• Conduct comprehensive spatial analysis and data modeling to support planning decisions and policy recommendations
• Collaborate with government agencies, stakeholders, and community representatives to gather requirements and ensure project success
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and documentation that communicate complex planning concepts to diverse audiences
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in urban planning and GIS to maintain organizational competitiveness
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation to ensure efficient delivery of planning initiatives
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, building codes, and planning standards specific to the UAE context

Qualifications

**Required Skills and Experience:**

• 15+ years of professional experience in urban planning, regional planning, or related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with GIS software and geospatial analysis tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent)
• 5+ years of management or supervisory experience leading technical teams
• Advanced proficiency in spatial analysis, data modeling, and geospatial database management
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to deliver complex initiatives on schedule and within budget
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Proficiency in technical writing and the ability to communicate planning concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences
• Demonstrated expertise in urban development strategies, land use planning, and infrastructure planning
• Knowledge of municipal planning processes, zoning regulations, and development standards

**Preferred Skills and Experience:**

• Experience working on projects in the Middle East or Gulf region
• Familiarity with UAE planning standards, regulations, and development frameworks
• Proficiency with advanced GIS applications and programming languages (Python, SQL)
• Experience with 3D modeling and visualization tools for urban planning
• Knowledge of sustainable urban development and smart city initiatives
• Certification in urban planning, GIS, or related professional discipline
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and community consultation processes

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work‑life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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