Enterprise GIS Architect

Job Title: Enterprise GIS Architect

Location: Birmingham, UK (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Contract

Day Rate: £750 (Inside IR35)

About the Role

A leading organisation in the fibre and telecommunications sector is seeking an experienced Enterprise GIS Architect to take ownership of its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) architecture and strategy. You will play a critical role in ensuring the seamless integration of GIS solutions with enterprise IT frameworks while driving innovation and best practices in geospatial data management.

This is a strategic yet hands-on position, requiring expertise in GIS technologies, cloud computing, telecom infrastructure, and enterprise application integration. You will work closely with key stakeholders to define the GIS vision, ensuring alignment with business and IT strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience in telecommunications, utilities, or fibre network projects.
• Strong knowledge of GIS architecture, enterprise IT governance, and system integration.
• Proven track record of leading GIS solutions in an enterprise environment.
• High-level proficiency in data modelling, cloud computing, and GIS software development.

Key Responsibilities

GIS Architecture & Strategy

• Define and maintain the current and future GIS architecture.
• Develop transitional roadmaps aligned with business and IT strategy.
• Collaborate with senior IT leadership to shape and execute the GIS strategy.
• Evaluate emerging GIS technologies and methodologies to enhance capabilities.

Enterprise IT Governance & Standards

• Establish governance models, GIS data policies, and architectural principles.
• Conduct architectural reviews to ensure compliance with enterprise IT standards.
• Provide technical oversight for GIS-related projects and business cases.

GIS Solutions & System Integration

• Lead the design and integration of GIS solutions within the organisation's digital infrastructure.
• Ensure seamless data exchange between GIS, network inventory, and business systems.
• Work with vendors and system integrators to optimise GIS implementations.

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Act as the technical authority for GIS architecture.
• Provide thought leadership on geospatial data modelling, software development, and cloud computing.
• Ensure GIS solutions are scalable, efficient, and future-proof.

Key Skills & Technical Competencies

GIS & Telecom-Specific Expertise

• Physical Network Inventory (PNI) - Managing geospatial assets, fibre networks, and infrastructure.
• Design Manager - Planning and optimising network layouts.
• GIS Platforms - Strong experience with leading GIS tools and platforms.
• Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) - Ensuring smooth data flow across business-critical applications.

Programming & Software Development

• Languages: Magik, Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Bash scripting.
• Frameworks: Web-based GIS tools and automation frameworks.

Cloud & Enterprise Architecture

• AWS (or equivalent cloud platforms) - Experience deploying and managing GIS solutions in the cloud.
• Enterprise Modelling Tools - Familiarity with tools like Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect.
• ITIL, TOGAF, BPMN, UML - Knowledge of best practices in enterprise architecture.

GIS Data & Process Management

• Geospatial Data Modelling - Experience with designing relational and taxonomical GIS data structures.
• Reverse Engineering Legacy GIS Systems - Modernising outdated geospatial applications.
• Fibre Network Design - Understanding of GIS applications in telecom infrastructure.

Project Leadership & Business Engagement

• Experience leading large-scale GIS integration projects in telecommunications or utilities.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business insights.
• Vendor & Supplier Management - Ensuring 3rd party GIS solutions align with strategic objectives.

Desirable

• Agile certifications (e.g., SAFe Agile).
• TOGAF or TM Forum certification (for enterprise architecture).
• Experience with ITIL, BPMN, and enterprise process management methodologies.
• Knowledge of GPON fibre network architecture.