HDR is seeking a
Program Management Director to lead and build a world-class Program Management service offering within our Tech, Media, and Telecom (TMT) practice. This high-impact leadership role is responsible for the strategic vision, delivery, and growth of program management services across the Building Engineering Services (BES) Business Group.
Initially focused on hyperscale datacenter owners and developers, this leader will scale the practice to include semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and telecommunications. The successful candidate will act as a "program builder," transitioning from a strategic individual contributor to the leader of a global team of program managers, schedulers, and project controls professionals.
Primary ResponsibilitiesPractice Leadership & Strategic Growth•
Vision & Direction: Drive the overall vision for growth in Program Management services, establishing a strategic plan that includes identifying staffing needs and recruiting a high-performing team.
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Practice Building: Serve as the TMT Program Management Director, evolving the practice from a US-focused strategy into a "global powerhouse."
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Operational Excellence: Implement and refine standardized processes, systems, and metrics to ensure HDR's "gold standard" of delivery across technical, financial, and commercial aspects.
Program Oversight & Client Solution
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Trusted Advisor: Partner with hyperscale and developer clients to deliver custom frameworks for complex datacenter portfolios, maintaining a deep understanding of their evolving business environments.
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Project Controls: Establish core activities including sophisticated project controls, master scheduling, and commercial risk management.
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High-Level Oversight: Provide oversight on large programs, occasionally acting as the Lead or Principal-in-Charge for strategic pursuits.
Business Development & Collaboration
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Strategic Pursuits: Work closely with Account Leaders and Sector Directors to identify and win new program management work, leveraging HDR's expertise as a key market differentiator.
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Matrix Leadership: Navigate HDR's matrix by collaborating effectively with Market Sector Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, and Operations.
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Mentorship: Actively mentor staff in Program Management and supporting Business Classes (Project Controls, Procurement, etc.).
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Staffing Management: Coordinate staffing on relevant TMT programs and manage staff augmentation strategies to ensure the right expertise is deployed for success.
Preferred Qualifications•
Education: Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field.
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Experience: 20+ years of experience in program management or A/E consulting, with a strong background in leading large-scale TMT or tech-related projects.
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Sector Expertise: Must have specific experience with datacenters and/or relatable hyperscale tech clients.
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Leadership: Proven track record of building and managing professional teams, mentoring staff, and driving successful project execution metrics.
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Business Development: Demonstrated success in sales, presentations, and negotiating commercial terms while mitigating risk.
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Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and writing skills to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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Travel: Ability to travel significantly (frequently 25-50%) to support program assignments and client needs.
• Professional registration (PE, RA, PMP, or equivalent).
• Experience in global practice scaling.
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QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration, or a closely related field
- Program management experience consistent with one of the following requirements:
- A minimum of three (3) years of program management experience in a deputy role to the Program Manager for the delivery of one or more programs, with a cumulative capital value of $200 million or more, or;
- A minimum of five (5) years of program management experience as a Project Manager or Project Controls Manager for the delivery of one or more programs, each with a capital value of $200 million or more, or;
- A minimum of ten (10) years of project management experience as a Project Manager directing a multi-disciplinary team for the delivery of at least two (2) projects, each with a capital value of $50 million or more
- Strong leadership skills with experience building a cohesive team culture and managing team members in various locations.
- Excellent communication skills. Comfortable presenting to client executives and in front of a large audience in a public setting
- Management experience with the implementation of projects or programs using alternative and collaborative delivery methods, including design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), and/or construction management at-risk (CMAR)
- Familiar with the various tools used to manage large programs - PMIS, CMIS, scheduling, cost control, document management, risk management, asset management, dashboard analytics, etc.
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
