Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader

HDR • Portland, OR

2d

About The Position

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

We have an exciting opportunity for a visionary Drinking Water & Wastewater Market Sector Leader to help shape the future of water infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This is an opportunity for a strategic leader who is passionate about protecting public health, advancing sustainable water solutions, and driving growth across the drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater markets. Working alongside local and national leadership, you will play a key role in expanding HDR’s presence, strengthening client partnerships, and delivering impactful projects that support communities for generations to come.

HDR’s Portland Water/Wastewater team is intentionally built differently. Our team combines emerging talent with experienced industry leaders, including several professionals who began their careers at HDR as interns and have grown into leadership roles. We bring together diverse perspectives and backgrounds from across the globe and the Pacific Northwest, creating a collaborative and innovative culture rooted in technical excellence, mentorship, and community impact. Joining HDR Portland means more than taking on a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to help shape a growing practice, influence the future of the industry, and leave a lasting mark on the communities where we live and work.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor and leader for key clients while guiding complex, multi-discipline projects from planning through delivery. You’ll help lead strategic pursuits, identify new opportunities for growth, and collaborate across HDR’s national network of technical experts and business leaders. Projects may include planning studies, design, financial analysis, operations support, alternative delivery, and major infrastructure improvements that directly improve resiliency, sustainability, and quality of life.

We are looking for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, technical excellence, and people development. You will mentor and inspire staff, strengthen HDR’s culture of innovation and collaboration, and help drive continuous improvement across project delivery and technical practices. This role also offers the opportunity to build a visible industry presence through leadership in professional organizations, conferences, and community initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years of industry experience
• If an engineer, maintain engineering registration
• Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for planning and/or engineering services
• Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits
• Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth
• Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector
• Ability to work cooperatively with Regional Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers
• Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Responsibilities

• Lead client development efforts and serve as a trusted advisor to key regional clients
• Identify and pursue strategic growth opportunities across municipal water markets
• Direct and oversee complex, multi-discipline water infrastructure projects
• Collaborate across HDR business groups and national practice areas to expand services and capabilities
• Promote HDR’s full suite of engineering, planning, and consulting services
• Build strong relationships with industry partners, organizations, and senior client leadership
• Mentor, recruit, and develop the next generation of water industry leaders
• Advance technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support project delivery, QA/QC, risk management, and operational performance
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and work-sharing across teams and regions
• Represent HDR through industry organizations, conference presentations, and community leadership activities
• Take on impactful project management and leadership assignments that align with HDR’s long-term growth strategy

Benefits

• Employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day.
• We work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities.
• HDR’s Portland Water/Wastewater team is intentionally built differently.
• Our team combines emerging talent with experienced industry leaders, including several professionals who began their careers at HDR as interns and have grown into leadership roles.
• We bring together diverse perspectives and backgrounds from across the globe and the Pacific Northwest, creating a collaborative and innovative culture rooted in technical excellence, mentorship, and community impact.
• Joining HDR Portland means more than taking on a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to help shape a growing practice, influence the future of the industry, and leave a lasting mark on the communities where we live and work.
• As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
• Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute.
• Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior