ideaForge - Project Manager - GIS

Description : About ideaForge : ideaForge is Indias leading UAV solutions provider, enabling mission-critical applications across defence, homeland security, and enterprise sectors. Our UAV, geospatial, and inspection solutions help governments and businesses make faster, data-driven decisions with actionable aerial intelligence.We are seeking an experienced Project Manager GIS Projects to lead the execution and delivery of large-scale UAV-based mapping and inspection programs end-to-end.Role Overview : The Project Manager GIS Projects will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering UAV-based geospatial and inspection projects for public and enterprise clients. This role demands strong technical understanding of GIS/remote sensing workflows, structured project management capability, and effective client and team leadership.You will collaborate with Product Managers, Solution Architects, Field Operations, and Data Processing teams to ensure timely, high-quality project delivery aligned with SLAs and industry standards.Key Responsibilities : Project Delivery & Execution : - Own complete delivery of UAV-based geospatial and inspection projectsproject kickoff, execution, monitoring, data processing, QA, and final submission.- Define project scope, create work breakdown structures (WBS), and develop project execution plans.- Design mission plans, flight operations workflows, and data acquisition strategies with product and operations teams.Technical & GIS Workflow Management : - Oversee photogrammetry, LiDAR, and GIS data processing pipelines (orthomosaics, DSM/DTM, point clouds, 3D models).- Ensure adherence to QC/QA standards for spatial accuracy, data integrity, and output formats.- Work with engineering teams for cloud data management, integration workflows, and data delivery platforms.Project Governance & Controls : - Manage project budgets, resource allocation, staffing, and daily operational tracking.- Conduct risk assessments, maintain risk registers, and execute mitigation plans.- Utilize project management tools (MS Project, Jira, Asana, etc.) for sprint planning, backlog grooming, and milestone tracking.Client & Stakeholder Management : - Serve as the primary client-facing project lead for status meetings, milestone reviews, and delivery approvals.- Coordinate with government agencies and enterprise customers for compliance, reporting, and field permissions.- Ensure projects comply with DGCA norms, data security policies, and tender documentation requirements.Team Leadership : - Lead, guide, and mentor a cross-functional team of UAV pilots, GIS analysts, data processors, and technical specialists.- Ensure seamless coordination between field operations and data processing units.Process Optimization : - Identify opportunities to improve throughput, automate geospatial workflows, or implement new tools.- Document best practices and contribute to scaling delivery frameworks across multiple projects.Qualifications : - Bachelors or Masters degree in Engineering or related disciplines.- Project Management certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum are preferred.Experience : - Minimum 6+ years in GIS / UAV mapping / remote sensing / geospatial project delivery.- At least 3 years in project management or delivery leadership roles.- Proven experience in executing large-scale UAV-based geospatial projects such as : - City-scale mapping- Smart city surveys- Infrastructure inspection- Mining, utilities, or corridor mapping initiatives- Experience working with public sector/government contracts, compliance-heavy tenders, and multi-stakeholder environments. (ref:hirist.tech)