Geospatial Data Manager

Job description

The role

Are you an experienced GIS leader ready to build a high-impact geospatial service and shape how location intelligence supports an entire organisation?

Havant Borough Council is bringing its GIS function in-house, creating a rare opportunity for a talented GIS Manager to establish and lead a modern, customer-focused and data-driven service from the ground up. You will set the direction for the Council's GIS capability, champion the strategic use of spatial intelligence and turn geospatial insight into better services, stronger decisions and improved outcomes for our communities.

What you will be doing

As the Council's lead GIS specialist, you will have strategic ownership of GIS, spatial data, web mapping and location intelligence services. You will lead the design and development of the new service, oversee the Council's corporate geospatial systems and safeguard the integrity of geographic and address data. Working with senior leaders, service managers and partners, you will build confidence in geospatial intelligence, identify opportunities for innovation and ensure that location data becomes an influential tool for service planning, transformation and delivery.

Who we're looking for

You will bring substantial GIS expertise, a strong track record of developing services and the credibility to influence stakeholders at all levels. You will combine strategic thinking with technical knowledge, sound judgement and a clear focus on delivery. Experience of LLPG, spatial data management and modern GIS platforms will be central to your success, alongside the ability to translate complex geospatial opportunities into practical organisational benefits.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in GIS, Geography, Geospatial Science, Environmental Information Systems, Data Management or a related discipline, or substantial equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience of GIS service delivery, geospatial data management and the production of digital mapping, spatial analysis and web mapping solutions.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of QGIS.
• Strong knowledge of LLPG management, BS7666 standards and the relationship between GIS, land, property and address information.
• Experience of managing, developing or coordinating GIS services within a complex organisation.
• Experience of leading projects, service improvements or digital transformation initiatives within the area of expertise.
• Experience of managing staff, contractors, suppliers or service delivery arrangements.
• Ability to analyse complex datasets, identify opportunities for insight and communicate technical information to a range of audiences.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• Knowledge of statutory spatial data obligations, including BS7666, INSPIRE principles, data.gov publication requirements, data quality, metadata and relevant information governance responsibilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity. You will shape the future direction of GIS at Havant Borough Council, build a resilient and responsive new service, manage and develop a GIS Officer, and make a significant contribution to the Council's digital, data and transformation ambitions.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to create something new, influence how the Council uses geospatial intelligence and leave a lasting professional legacy, we would love to hear from you.

What we can offer you

• In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
  • establish and lead a newly in-housed GIS service;
  • influence senior stakeholders and shape corporate decision-making; and
  • drive innovation through the strategic use of geospatial technology and data.
• A supportive and collaborative environment where your leadership, ideas and expertise will be valued.
• Support for your continuous professional development and learning.
• A competitive salary
• Generous leave allowance
• Free parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working/hybrid working to support your work-life balance
• Family-friendly packages
• A comprehensive benefits package; find out more on our website www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers

Living our values

At Havant Borough Council, our values shape how we work, make decisions and serve our communities. We're looking for people who demonstrate our values every day:

• Ambitious: we want to be the best for our Borough, our communities, and partners; We are performance driven.
• Accountable: we take personal responsibility for our decisions; we are one team.
• Collaborative: we develop strong, productive relationships.
• Agile: we are responsive to change; we evolve our ways of working.
• H'avant Garde: we are solutions-focused, and we learn continuously.

If these values describe you, we would love to hear in your cover letter how you have demonstrated them throughout your career and experience.

The role requires travel for business purposes. You will therefore need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to make suitable alternative travel arrangements.

Internal secondment opportunities must be discussed with current line managers. Please follow the guidance within the Secondment Policy.

This role is advertised on a full-time basis. However, we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working and would consider job-share or part-time arrangements. If you would like to explore these options, please tell us in your application, or at any stage of the recruitment process, how many hours you are seeking.

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Jo-anne Currie, HR Manager at [email protected]

To apply

Please click "apply" and complete the short application process.

Please attach your CV and covering letter when applying through Hireful: www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now.

Please note:

Your covering letter is an important part of your application. Please use it to explain how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile, and to tell us what attracts you to this opportunity.

Applications close at midnight on 8 November 2026, and interviews will be held the week commencing 23 November 2026 or week commencing 30 November 2026.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and may not acknowledge receipt. You will be notified shortly after the closing date if you are shortlisted.

We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.

We recognise that candidates may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of applications. This may include use as an accessibility aid or reasonable adjustment. AI-generated content should accurately reflect your own skills, experience, qualifications and achievements. During the recruitment process, you will be asked to discuss and provide evidence of the information included in your application. Providing misleading or inaccurate information may result in your application being withdrawn.

Local government reorganisation (LGR)

On 7 September 2026, the Government announced that it had withdrawn its previous decision on local government reorganisation (LGR) for Hampshire and the wider Solent area.

More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website:

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Havant Borough Council