Northern California Business Development Leader (Water Business Group)

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?

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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 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. We're not just a company-we're a community of thinkers, doers, and changemakers. As an employee-owner, you'll have a voice in shaping our future and the freedom to innovate. We believe in empowering our people to lead with authenticity, curiosity, and courage.

Primary Responsibilities

Working in partnership with the Northern California Water Business Group (WBG) Management, the Bay Area Water Client Development Leader is responsible for strategically developing and directing business development opportunities for clients requiring drinking water, wastewater and water resources planning and design consulting services throughout northern California, focusing on opportunities and clients in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, work with all Business Groups in Northern California to create a strategy to drive the BGX initiatives to bring more of HDR to our clients. Duties include maintaining and expanding existing client relationships; identifying, establishing, and nurturing relationships with new target clients; developing market networks; positioning the firm for project pursuits that result in client selection; and leading technical teams in proposal and interview preparation.

Bay Area Water Client Development Leader

Northern California | Strategic Growth | Impact-Driven Leadership

Why This Role Matters

Join a team that's shaping the future of water infrastructure in Northern California. As the Bay Area Water Client Development Leader, you'll be at the forefront of driving innovation, building strategic partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities in drinking water, wastewater, and water resources planning and design. This isn't just business development-it's about creating sustainable solutions for communities and making a lasting impact.

What You'll Do

As a Business Development Leader , you'll be the connector, strategist, and visionary who:

• Leads with purpose: Co-create annual growth strategies with leadership to meet ambitious financial goals and expand our regional footprint.

• Builds meaningful relationships: Identify and engage with key decision-makers across public and private sectors. You'll be the face of HDR in the Bay Area.

• Collaborates across disciplines: Partner with technical and market leaders to craft winning strategies and proposals that resonate with clients.

• Leverages data and insights: Use HDR's business tools to track progress, analyze trends, and make informed decisions.

• Drives innovation in storytelling: Work with marketing to develop compelling materials that showcase our expertise and elevate our brand.

• Champions client success: Serve as a trusted advisor and project principal, ensuring client satisfaction and long-term partnerships.

• Mentors and inspires: Share your knowledge and passion with emerging professionals, helping shape the next generation of leaders.

• Represents HDR boldly: Attend industry events, speak on panels, and build your personal brand while promoting HDR's mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a professional, engineering, or related field
• Maintain a professional or engineering registration or certificate or have related technical experience
• Proven business development success in the water consulting industry
• Existing network of local clients is beneficial
• Experienced in the development and management of diverse teams
• Willingness to travel including overnight trips
• Commitment to HDR's core values of quality work and continuous improvement
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years relevant industry experience
• Demonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversight
• Deep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional services
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others
• Demonstrated ability to build a network of clients and industry partners
• Experience in sales and developing effective win strategies
• Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability and desire to travel and engage with others in-person
• Demonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff
• Demonstrated experience in growing programs in new or highly competitive markets
• Demonstrated experience in winning high-value contracts in the A/E/C industry

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
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. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $167,475.00 - $258,390.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. Primary Location: United States-California-Walnut Creek Other Locations: United States-California-Santa Clara Industry: Water Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Marketing and Admin Job Posting: Dec 29, 2025