California Waste Business Development Leader

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story. Each role at HDR makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.

We believe waste is more than management—it’s also an opportunity to innovate. As part of our Waste sector, you’ll help shape solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions spanning waste planning, remediation, engineering, and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and communities to design sustainable, cost-effective systems that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier communities. This role offers a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Area Market Sector Leader, Regional Business Development Leader, and Practice Leadership to ensure local teams drive market opportunities within sector growth by leveraging all service lines.
• Strategically grow California’s waste sector by identifying market opportunities and implementing plans to capture additional markets.
• Coordinate with Area Market Sector Leads, Area RBG Managers, Practice Leaders, and local teams to develop a coordinated, client-focused approach for regional market opportunities.
• Track market changes through client and industry involvement; maintain HDR’s image and reputation by attending state waste and industry-related conferences.
• Develop and collaborate on a Waste approach for Client Development Plans, including a system to track and monitor progress; serve as Manager for select key clients.
• Maintain knowledge of client needs, plans, business environment, and their assessment of HDR to anticipate, track, and capture contract assignments.
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic teaming partners (including General Contractors) critical to sector success.
• Identify key talent in the Waste market and assist with recruitment and retention of staff.
• Leverage existing HDR resources to provide cross-sector and multi-business-class collaboration for targeted clients.
• Collaborate with Area and Regional Waste Sector Leadership to develop market strategies, strategic initiatives, and business development efforts.
• Work with local leadership to identify market opportunities, create relationships, and grow the Waste Sector.
• Demonstrate experience in writing compelling content based on input from technical staff.

Requirements

• 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.
• Proven ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Experience building 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 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability and desire to travel and engage with others in-person.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• Professional or engineering registration/certificate or related technical experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) fostering inclusion and support.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position in California is $131,131 – $215,430, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.

Primary locations: Folsom, Los Angeles, Walnut Creek, Long Beach, San Diego, Irvine, or Sacramento, California.