Florida MPO Practice Leader

HDR•Tampa, FL

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world. HDR is currently looking for a statewide Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Practice Leader to complement our growing Transportation Planning Business Class. HDR is one of the premier transportation consultancy firms in the industry and known globally for delivering custom solutions to challenging projects. Our transportation planners envision and plan for transportation infrastructure and services to better move people and goods using all modes of transportation (auto, truck, bus, rail, walk, bike, air, water, and emerging modes), considering users of all ages and abilities; while enhancing economic prosperity, improving the quality of our environment and communities, and forging successful partnerships with all stakeholders. We imagine and innovate the future of transportation, build trust through collaborative consensus building, and pave the path to implementation. We help our clients maximize value by enhancing transportation systems with smart, sustainable, resilient, and equitable features. It’s all done in concert with our tailored approach to planning that precisely answers each client’s vision and goals. In the role of Statewide MPO Practice Leader, we’ll count on you to:

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field
A minimum of 5 years related experience
Efficient use of the internet and other electronic and hard copy media for research
Strong Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Project and Visio skills
Expert Microsoft Access and Excel skills
Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile and present summary level information
Ability to obtain, cleanse, merge and analyze data from multiple sources
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong relationship, organizational and follow-up skills
Self-starter with proven track record of accomplishments
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
The successful candidate must have knowledge of, and experience with, the MPO process and most recent federal transportation laws and requirements.
Experience with FHWA, FRA, and other USDOT and State programs, especially federal grants, is required.
Must have well-developed analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Planning, Engineering, or related discipline
Professional registration such as AICP, PE, PTOE, PTP, PMP preferred
Knowledge of ArcGIS, SQL Server and/or Crystal Reports
Experience in an A/E/C industry
Experienced in development and management of diverse teams.

Responsibilities

Take responsibility for statewide development, coordination, monitoring and improvement of technical competencies of metropolitan planning staff and products to meet client needs and market drivers
Collaborate with companywide MPO Practice Group members to elevate our metropolitan planning practice and develop staff involved with policy, performance-based systems planning, corridor planning and development, operations and safety, affordable housing and resiliency, funding, and associated aspects of the entire multimodal system.
Work with other practice leaders to develop transformative ideas that will enable clients to take advantage of emerging transportation trends (automated-connected-electric-shared vehicles, micro-transit, micro-mobility, big data, etc.) and future-proof investments; and allow HDR to maintain thought leadership position in the industry.
Actively drive open communication with the Practice Group members regarding current/projected production needs; and collaborate with areas to influence staffing and expertise levels.
Identify market opportunities in close coordination with area leadership and develop winning pursuit strategies. Also assist with local and state pursuits.
Oversee delivery of project services and deliverables to meet client expectations.
Maintain standards for quality and consistency of service brand.
Maintain qualification packages and staff skills matrix that can be readily utilized for project pursuits. Assist with the development of marketing materials including proposals.
Lead workshare communications that result in technical excellence and enhanced utilizations.
Advocate for professional development of staff and development of production tools: best practices, technical policies and procedures, papers and presentations, Professional Associates credentialing, recognition of technical achievement, practice group activities, and automation tools.
Serve as a project manager for MPO contracts and leverage HDR’s expertise to deliver quality work on time, while meeting or exceeding client expectations.
Develop client relationships in close coordination with leadership and local MPO planning staff.
Perform other duties as needed.