Highways Program Manager

Highways Program Manager

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 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 seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Highways Program Manager who will work collaboratively with WSDOT to guide planning, environmental, design, construction, and specialty support tasks. We are seeking a proactive communicator, with demonstrated ability to speak to a variety of audiences including executive-level leadership. They will be future-focused with knowledge of risks in the Pacific Northwest, such as seismic, landslides, and flooding as well as how those risks impact transportation infrastructure. They will have demonstrated experience in major highway corridor projects, and they will be skilled at applying innovative technologies, new delivery models, and creative approaches to meet the varied needs of complex programs. The professional also will be skilled at thinking big picture, including integrating with other local and regional transportation modal strategies to maximize other systems such as high-speed rail and air mobility planning in the region to maximize transportation system performance and regional mobility.

In the role of Highways Program Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Provide program management and leadership for programs with a high degree of technical complexity and non-technical intricacies, working with client and program leadership
• Lead all aspects of project development and delivery, including guiding alternative delivery projects
• Advise WSDOT on the technical, regulatory, financial and community facets of complex programs, including proactively managing risks and leveraging lessons learned from other programs and industry best management practices to address WSDOT's needs
• Inform program public and agency engagement strategy in consultation with Program Management
• Work in close partnership with program leadership to direct the services provided by program teams comprised of HDR and subconsultants staff, promoting alignment within the team through effective and regular communications; managing team performance; overseeing a robust QA/QC program to meet client expectations; and monitoring the program's financial performance against pre-established financial metrics and adjusting as necessary
• Coordinate with WSDOT regions, jurisdictional partners, and community groups to align planned and ongoing studies, needs, and priorities
• Give presentations, provide information to and coordinate with federal, state, and local agency officials, advocacy, and interest groups as well as members of the public
• Guide grant strategy and support efforts to secure long-term funding
• Contribute to the growth of HDR's program management services by building a long-term trusted advisory relationship with clients; looking for opportunities to expand our services to address the needs of existing clients; supporting the pursuit of new program contract opportunities; and mentoring and training staff working on programs
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of three (3) years of program management experience in a deputy role to the Program Manager for the delivery of one or more programs, with a cumulative capital value of $200 million or more
• A minimum of five (5) years of program management experience as a Project Manager or Project Controls Manager for the delivery of one or more programs, each with a capital value of $200 million or more; and/or a minimum of ten (10) years of project management experience as a Project Manager directing a multi-disciplinary team for the delivery of at least two (2) projects, each with a capital value of $50 million or more
• A license/certification PMP certification
• Familiar with Primavera P3 or SureTrak software preferred
• Familiar with Prolog software preferred

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Seattle/Bellevue, WA: $155,064 - $221,520

Primary Location: United States-Washington-Seattle

Other Locations: United States-Washington-Bellevue

Industry: Highway + Road

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Highways

Job Posting: Apr 10, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.