Water Program Manager - Data Centers

Water Infrastructure Program Manager (PgmM)

We have an exceptional opportunity for a Water Infrastructure Program Manager (PgmM), focused on developing, coordinating, and delivering water infrastructure consulting, design projects and tasks for data center clients.

The role will coordinate and collaborate with teams inside HDR to support water infrastructure oriented tasks including environmental, permitting, industrial water/wastewater treatment, building architecture, and other expertise from all HDR’s service areas relating to data center water infrastructure. The role will also work with vendors and subconsultants as needed.

This role includes program development, planning, and project delivery responsibilities supporting water infrastructure relating to designing and constructing data centers for a specific client or set of clients. The position manages teams working to complete tasks from front‑end site due‑diligence evaluation, consulting, planning, and detailed design support through the construction administration and commissioning phases of data center projects. Services provided may include planning/consulting (due diligence/campus planning phase), design (including construction administration and commissioning phases), and O&M/retrofit scopes.

The PgmM also supports water sustainability initiatives aligned with client goals.

• Develop and coordinate program plans and deliverables for water infrastructure in data center projects.
• Manage teams from front‑end due‑diligence to construction administration and commissioning.
• Support shaping of client expectations and ensure quality delivery of client experience.
• Collaborate across HDR’s practices and professional discipline groups on staff assignments, technical services and continuous improvement of best practices.
• Oversee consulting, planning and design scope delivery: performance, financial metrics, schedule, quality, contractual compliance, safety, risk mitigation and client satisfaction.
• Coordinate new potential task orders with the client and HDR’s TMT business development teams to grow water‑related work for data center clients.
• Identify and develop opportunities and pursuits with TMT leadership and business development team, interface with client managers and formulate project approaches.
• Travel as required (estimated 20–30 %).

• Incorporate HDR Corporate 2027 Goals and strategic vision with the data center/mission‑critical market to become the industry leader.
• Communicate strategic and growth business plans to meet key financial objectives of the TMT sector specifically focused on Data Centers.
• Serve as the Client Manager for water infrastructure scope with selected data center clients in North America and be active and visible in the industry.

• Support business development and pursuit activities through identification of project opportunities, proposal development, presentation to clients and scope development/contract negotiations after selection.
• Cultivate long‑term, sustainable, value‑based client relationships with clients, partners, subconsultants, vendors and equipment manufacturers.

• Take on Project Management (PM) and Principal in Charge (PIC) assignments, driving client satisfaction, staff development, technical excellence and mentoring opportunities.
• Manage day‑to‑day activities of project‑based team members, ensuring deadlines and high quality work.
• Identify key staff for new opportunities, monitor workload and facilitate work sharing among HDR groups.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to staff working on data center projects.
• Facilitate development and dissemination of lessons learned, Standards & Practices, and other delivery guidance/tools.

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, Civil or related engineering disciplines.
• Experience in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and program and/or project pursuits.
• Ability to work cooperatively with multiple HDR positions such as Market Sector Leadership, Business Class Directors,…