Wastewater Treatment Business Class Lead

HDR • Portland, OR

11d

About The Position

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. 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 dynamic leader to join our Oregon Water Business Group as the Wastewater Treatment Business Class Lead (BCL). This is a chance to shape the future of wastewater treatment across Oregon while helping grow a high-performing team and expanding HDR’s impact in the region. In this role, you will lead technical excellence, drive strategic growth, mentor future leaders, and partner with clients to deliver innovative solutions that protect public health and the environment.

As the Oregon Wastewater Treatment BCL, you will work alongside regional and national technology leaders to strengthen local capabilities and support major pursuits and project delivery efforts across the country. You’ll help lead projects spanning master planning, nutrient removal, solids handling, condition assessment, and the design and construction of wastewater treatment facilities. This role offers the opportunity to influence both regional and national initiatives while building lasting client relationships and advancing HDR’s reputation as an industry leader.

We are looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of leadership, technical excellence, and business development. You’ll play a key role in recruiting and mentoring staff, developing multidisciplinary teams, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and leading complex projects from planning through construction. You’ll also represent HDR within industry organizations and conferences, contributing to the advancement of the wastewater industry through committee leadership, presentations, and technical publications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field
• 10 years of experience
• Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
• Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience
• Experienced in development and management of diverse teams
• Works cooperatively with other area business class leaders, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred
• Active involvement in industry organizations such as Pacific Northwest Section American Water Works Association, Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association, WEFTEC, or Water Research Foundation
• Proven leadership, mentoring, and team-building experience
• Strong technical background in wastewater treatment planning and design

Responsibilities

• Recruit, mentor, and develop technical staff and future leaders
• Lead and grow multidisciplinary wastewater treatment teams
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on innovation and excellence
• Support staff development, utilization, morale, and operational performance
• Lead complex wastewater treatment projects through planning, design, and construction
• Serve as Project Manager on critical regional and area-wide projects
• Advance technical capabilities in areas including nutrient removal, solids handling, and condition assessment
• Promote quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement across projects and teams
• Collaborate with regional and national experts to strengthen HDR’s technical leadership
• Drive strategic growth initiatives and help expand HDR’s wastewater portfolio across Oregon
• Lead and support proposals, interviews, client development, and pursuit strategies
• Collaborate with Water Business Group leadership, regional market sector leads, and client development teams
• Build and strengthen relationships with clients, industry partners, and professional organizations
• Support regional and national marketing and technical initiatives

Benefits

• HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.
• 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