Northern California Business Development Leader (Water Business Group)

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? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. 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

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

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

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.