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

Why This Role Matters

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

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Qualifications

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