Principal Program Manager

HDR•Seattle, WA

About The Position

HDR is seeking a seasoned Principal Program Manager to serve as a trusted advisor to WSDOT and regional partners—leading complex, multi‑year transportation programs from strategy through delivery. This leader will guide planning, environmental, design, construction, and specialty support services; advise on policy, regulatory, financial, and community dimensions; and steer large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient, equitable outcomes for the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate is a proactive, executive‑caliber communicator with a proven record leading major corridor programs and alternative delivery. A strategic thinker, this leader integrates highways with innovative technology and emerging mobility to maximize network performance, safety, equity, and long‑term value.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or a closely related field
At least one of the following licenses/certifications recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered: Professional Engineering License (PE or P.Eng), PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification, AICP Certification, or CMAA Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification
Program management experience consistent with the following requirements: A minimum of ten (10) years of program management experience, with at least four (4) years as a Senior Program Manager, and Experience leading as a Senior Program Manager or serving in a similar role on delivery of three or more programs, each with a capital value of $500 million or more, and. Experience delivering concurrent programs with a total value of $500 million or more qualifies as one of the required programs
Strong leadership skills with experience building a cohesive team culture and managing team members located in various locations
Excellent communication skills. Comfortable presenting to client executives and in front of a large audience in a public setting
Management experience with the implementation of projects or programs using alternative and collaborative delivery methods, including design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), and/or construction management at-risk (CMAR)
Familiar with the various types of tools used to manage large programs - PMIS, CMIS, scheduling, cost control, document management, risk management, asset management, dashboard analytics, etc.
Experience working in an integrated fashion within a Program Management Office (PMO) comprised of both consultant and client staff

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or closely related field
DBIA certification
Experience leading the consultant or owner program management team of at least one transportation infrastructure program(s) with a capital value of $1 billion
Knowledgeable of other alternative delivery/contract models, such as public-private partnership (P3), design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM), and engineering procurement construction (EPC)
Willingness to travel regularly, and if needed, commute to a client’s site

Responsibilities

Assume leadership for multi‑disciplinary infrastructure programs characterized by significant technical complexity and non‑technical intricacies (policy, funding, community, and interagency coordination)
Guide and support program governance, clarifying roles, decision rights, escalation paths, and reporting cadence; ensure transparent, defensible decisions
Direct services provided by multiple large program teams (HDR and subconsultants) or provide day‑to‑day leadership, achieving alignment and promoting accountability
Advise WSDOT on the technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets of complex programs; tailor guidance to client needs and political context
Anticipate and identify risks (e.g., technical, supply chain, permitting, community impacts, cost escalation), and lead issue resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision‑making
Leverage lessons learned and industry best practices to accelerate outcomes and avoid rework; provide thought leadership on delivery strategy, innovation, and resiliency
Develop and implement Program Management Plans, startup plans, work plans, and business processes and toolsets that drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency
Stand up and optimize core functions including program governance, planning/design management, permitting, environmental planning/compliance, QA/QC, cost control/estimating, scheduling, document management, procurement, project management, risk management, construction management, commissioning/asset onboarding, communications, change management, equity, sustainability and resiliency, strategic planning, financial support, regulatory support, real estate, organizational strengthening, and capital planning
Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of program execution from early planning through design and construction, including alternative delivery and non‑traditional procurement models
Secure and deploy resources to address program challenges and unanticipated events; recalibrate delivery strategies as conditions evolve
Promote team alignment through regular, effective communications and clear performance expectations; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Establish and oversee a robust QA/QC program to ensure technical excellence and maintain client confidence
Monitor financial performance against pre‑established metrics; manage earnings and profitability, control losses, and ensure contract compliance
Track KPIs across scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, equity, and risk; drive corrective actions and course corrections as needed
Shape and inform public and agency engagement strategies in collaboration with client leadership, aligning messaging, timing, and outcomes
Present to and coordinate with federal, state, and local officials, regional partners, advocacy groups, and the public; translate technical content into clear, actionable narratives
Guide grant strategy and support funding pursuits to secure sustainable, long‑term program financing
Grow HDR’s program management practice by building trusted relationships, expanding services for existing clients, supporting new pursuits, mentoring and training staff, and contributing to practice‑wide initiatives