Northern CA Drinking Water Market Sector Leader

Northern California Drinking Water Market Sector Leader

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

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.

The Northern California Drinking Water Market Sector Leader is a key role within HDR's growing California Water Business Group. This is an exciting opportunity to join our industry leading 100% employee-owned firm in an influential leadership role. In 2026 Engineering News Record ranked HDR fifth in size of business in the important Water category. We have more than 400 employees in our Drinking Water Sector nationally and over 340 California based Water staff. HDR's Water Business Group offer a uniquely comprehensive breadth of traditional and cross sector services enabling holistic approaches to One Water challenges. Our services span utility master planning, water treatment, reuse, applied research, transmission and distribution, water supply, asset management, operations assistance, program management, construction management and inspection, funding and financing, strategic communications, advisory services, and more.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drinking Water Growth and Strategy in Northern California - Develop and drive a long-range Drinking Water mission, vision and strategy for HDR's NorCal area
• Lead HDR's Drinking Water branding in NorCal by engaging in professional organizations allied to the drinking Water market
• Collaborating with other technical and marketing staff in the pursuit of new projects, taking a leadership role in selected key pursuits
• Support the development of and provide reviews of scopes of work, fee estimate, project risk identification and project schedules
• Work as part of the NorCal leadership team to coordinate staffing/recruiting plans for key hires and assist leadership as necessary with technical or project management hires
• Work as part of the NorCal leadership team to develop and implement Water Business Group-wide initiatives
• Identify technical gaps and support talent management and recruiting
• Identity, develop and implement Drinking Water initiatives to NorCal Area marketplace
• Participate in industry associations and serve as a company role-model in business and community organizations
• Develop relationships with industry counterparts in other consulting organizations
• In alignment and in support of our Client Managers, promote the Drinking Water market
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews for Drinking Water projects
• Serve as the Client Manager for selected key clients
• Function as a project manager on large or key projects
• Assist with contract review on key projects to help ensure risk management, proper staffing, quality reviews and resolution of claims

Keywords

Drinking Water, Water Treatment, Water, Potable, Reuse, Re-use, Project Manager, Program Manager, Utility, Consulting, Design, Construction, Engineering, Environmental

Required Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of experience in water planning and/or engineering with a majority of that experience within the market sector. Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field. If an Engineer, maintain licensure (PE). 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 Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Director, 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.

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.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. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits. The expected compensation range for this position is $154,462.00 - $270,000.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.