Electrical Section 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 weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures; it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high‑performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience.

The Electrical Section Manager is responsible for the growth, operations, and technical leadership of the electrical team, encompassing design, staff development, workload management, profitability, morale, and quality control. The role collaborates with the BES Business Group Manager to build strong client relationships, participates in marketing and project planning, and serves as HDR’s representative to the local industry.

• Establish client relations and lead marketing and client development activities.
• Manage the technical and operational activities of the electrical discipline and support HDR technical design.
• Prepare and review project budgets and scopes for the electrical discipline and monitor financial performance.
• Set work priorities and assign projects to electrical staff.
• Conduct interviews and mentor new employees for the section.
• Conduct employee performance reviews and set performance goals.
• Schedule and conduct section meetings to discuss productivity, workload, and quality control issues.
• Advance the skill level of personnel through training, education, and experience.
• Coordinate with electrical discipline managers at other business group locations to review workload, project status, and staffing requirements.
• Prepare and review electrical engineering scope of work and fees for proposals.
• Monitor changes in codes, regulations, and client standards and keep staff up to date on current industry practices.
• Perform quality control reviews.
• Serve as a Project Manager and/or Task Lead when applicable.
• Facilitate and encourage coordination with other discipline groups.
• Perform project engineer duties when required.

• A minimum of 5 years of management experience.
• 15+ years of experience with an architectural/engineering or consulting firm.
• Ability to manage, lead, and mentor other team members.
• Preference given to local candidates.
• Experience designing complex and large‑scale healthcare, laboratory, and/or mission‑critical data center facilities.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Professional registration, license, or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

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.

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 foster belonging and support for all employees.

United States – Illinois – Chicago

Full‑time

Regular

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.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible.