Northern California Water Business Development Leader

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us feels valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource; it’s a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you will 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.

Whether modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This is not just a job—it’s a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

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 San Joaquin Valley.
• 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.
• Identify and qualify leads that outline a path to achieving annual sales goals.
• Manage area business development and marketing budgets.
• Manage client relationship management and financial systems to inform reporting metrics and dashboards.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends and drivers impacting our clients.
• Develop business relationships with teaming partners.
• Implement go/no‑go decision process in accordance with HDR's Matrix of Authority.
• Lead pursuit teams in creating and implementing effective win strategies (capture planning).
• Engage the appropriate project management and technical talent in pursuit teams.
• Participate in pursuit teams to develop persuasive proposal and interview materials.
• Participate in quality reviews of proposal and interview materials.
• Coach interview teams to be effective at delivering key messages during interview presentations.
• Facilitate debriefs to identify improvement opportunities and to measure overall competitiveness.
• Recognize and celebrate pursuit successes and milestones.
• Retain, develop and supervise business development and marketing employees, as assigned.
• Identify candidates to fill management, technical, business development and marketing positions.
• Solicit and act on formal and informal client feedback.
• Understand and apply HDR's risk management approach when pursuing new business opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Maintain a professional or engineering registration or certificate, or have related technical experience.

• 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…