Water Resources Management Market Sector Lead

HDR•Portland, OR

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? We have an exciting opportunity for a visionary Water Resources Management Leader to help shape the future of water resources 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
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