Central Region Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architecture Cross Sector Lead

About the role

The Central Region Cross Sector Lead provides strategic, operational, and people leadership for the Urban Design, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (UDPLA) Cross Sector. The role supports all existing and emerging UDPLA studios within the region by promoting design excellence, quality project delivery, workshare, coaching, mentorship, and effective decision-making. The role drives regional growth, strengthens relationships across the matrix, and acts as the connector between the global practice and the needs of local and regional clients, markets, and teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the UDPLA Cross Sector Director to build operational plans and processes that elevate the urban design, planning, and landscape architecture practices in the Central region and globally.
• Take responsibility for area coordination, monitoring, and improvement of design and technical competencies of UDPLA staff to meet client needs and market drivers, while remaining aligned with global UDPLA plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UDPLA staff and internal partners across the HDR matrix, including operations, sectors, cross sectors, and design.
• Develop strong internal and external client relationships; engage in business development and marketing efforts to win work; seek opportunities to offer UDPLA services and collaborate across disciplines.
• Support UDPLA Studio Leaders as they work to proactively manage studio operations and design production, including work planning and utilization, marketing support, and staff development.
• Actively engage in recruiting, mentoring, and development of UDPLA staff to support growth and evolution of our practice in the region.
• Establish, advocate, and lead advancements of the practice through key priorities and initiatives that positively impact design, technical delivery, and management.
• Demonstrate exemplary design excellence and quality project delivery through continued learning and engagement in projects and pursuits, utilizing the expertise in your discipline.
• Participation in relevant design/industry/community activities that further HDR’s brand.

Requirements

• Actively engaged in professional and industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand.
• Licensed professional (AICP for urban designers/planners; PLA for landscape architects).
• Passion for collaboration and creating effective new connections within our matrix organization to further the identity and growth of the UDPLA cross sector.
• Proven ability to build and lead effective projects and teams.
• Broad realm influence and effective leadership skills.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring professionals to further their growth in design, implementation, client management, and their influence in a matrix organization.
• Experience and passion for sustainable and/or regenerative design.
• Proven initiative and experience developing client relationships, including pursuit strategy, teaming, and proposal content.
• Excellent communication, time management, graphic, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel for project work and internal collaboration with the HDR urban design, planning, and landscape architecture practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering, or closely related field.
• 10 years experience in related field.
• Maintains a professional or Engineering registration and has related technical experience.
• Experienced in development and management of diverse teams.
• Works cooperatively with other business class regional directors, operations managers, technical directors, and marketing managers on business class efforts.
• Committed to quality, improvement, and HDR values.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Skills

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Effective communication and collaboration.
• Experience in sustainable and regenerative design.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Pay

• Expected compensation range depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

• Full-time

Employee Status

• Regular

Business Class

• Urban Design-Planning-Landscape Architecture

Job Posting

• Jul 7, 2026

Additional Information

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.