KY​/TN Water Business Development Manager

Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We empower everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work, fostering a culture of inclusion throughout our company and communities. We continually ask:
What is our impact on the world?

We believe water is more than a resource; it is a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you will contribute to shaping 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 support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

This is a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

HDR is looking for a Kentucky/Tennessee (KY/TN) Water Business Development Manager to join our established team. Working with the KY/TN Water Business Group Manager, this role develops and directs business opportunities for clients in drinking water, wastewater, water resources, and federal water planning and design consulting services. Duties include maintaining and expanding existing client relationships, developing new target client relationships, building market networks, forecasting and positioning the firm for project pursuits, leading pursuits (including proposals and presentations), quality reviews, and coaching presentation teams.

The role also involves market analysis, competitor assessment, and developing strategic growth plans.

• In partnership with program and operations leadership, develop and implement an annual plan with strategies and tactics to achieve financial goals and top-line growth.
• Analyze and qualify potential clients that align with professional and financial value to the firm.
• Manage and analyze opportunity forecasting data.
• Monitor new market trends and participate in local and regional strategic and tactical planning.
• Identify and leverage contacts and build relationships with key decision makers of targeted clients.
• Partner with business group and market sector leaders, client managers, senior consultants, area managers, project teams, and others to pursue new opportunities and meet financial metrics.
• Participate in industry conferences, seminars, professional associations, and other external water-focused organizations to develop business contacts, promote HDR, and engage potential clients and partners.
• Maintain client relationships and, where appropriate, support project delivery as Project Principal or Project Manager for key clients.
• Identify and develop potential projects, collaborating with national and local resources to develop successful proposals and interviews, leading to shortlisting and selection.
• Manage and mentor marketing services staff, including monitoring workloads and performance.
• Collaborate with marketing services in preparing collateral materials such as qualifications, proposals, interview presentations, and specialty brochures to promote the program.
• Implement company marketing policies and procedures.

• A minimum of 10 years of 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.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Maintain professional engineering registration or related certification, or related technical experience.
• Understanding of Kentucky and…