Senior Manager – Urban Planning & GIS

About the role

Turner & Townsend is seeking a Senior Manager to lead urban planning and GIS initiatives in Abu Dhabi. The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on technical oversight to shape sustainable urban development across the UAE.

Key responsibilities

• Lead urban planning projects from concept to delivery, ensuring alignment with municipal objectives and UAE regulations.
• Oversee GIS operations, establishing best practices for data accuracy, security and accessibility.
• Develop and execute strategic land‑use, infrastructure and growth plans.
• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team of planners, GIS analysts and technical staff.
• Conduct spatial analysis and data modelling to support policy and planning decisions.
• Collaborate with government agencies, stakeholders and community representatives.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and documentation for diverse audiences.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain competitiveness.
• Control project budgets, timelines and resources while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Required profile

• 15+ years of professional experience in urban or regional planning.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience with GIS software and geospatial analysis tools.
• 5+ years of management or supervisory experience leading technical teams.
• Proven ability to deliver large‑scale planning projects in a complex regulatory environment.

Required skills

• ArcGIS
• QGIS (or equivalent GIS platforms)
• Geospatial analysis and spatial modelling