Drinking Water Business Development Director

About the Role

The Drinking Water Market Sector (“MS”) Business Development Director (BDD) will lead the development and implementation of business strategies across all HDR geographies, coordinating with Market Sector and Regional Business Group leadership, operational leadership, client managers, and Business Class Directors. Reporting to the Director of Market Sector Development, and working closely with the Water Business Group leadership, the Drinking Water BDD will drive top-line NFB growth and implement strategic initiatives, growth plans, and marketing opportunities for the market sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts to achieve NFB goals for the Drinking Water Market Sector.
• Assess regional and area marketplace positioning and determine optimal technical strategies to win and secure contracts.
• Coordinate with other market sectors (Architecture, Transportation, Resources, Water, BES, and Federal) to expand business.
• Implement cross-sector initiatives such as One Water and the Value of Water.
• Serve as Client Manager for key clients and actively participate in industry associations.
• Lead pursuit strategies, proposal development, and interview preparation for select drinking water opportunities.
• Support international market development in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
• Work with regional and area leadership to align market sector initiatives with local drivers.
• Identify key investments (acquisitions and technology) to maintain HDR’s industry leadership.
• Enhance staff performance through pursuit leadership, mentoring, and talent development.
• Assist in key project delivery, client management, and QA/QC programs.
• Facilitate process improvements, work sharing, and resource allocation within the market sector.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of relevant industry experience (preferred: 20+ years in drinking water planning, engineering design, client development, and project management).
• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering (preferred: accredited program).
• Professional engineering registration (preferred).
• Experience in strategic positioning, technical differentiation, and client relationship management.
• Proven track record in staff development, recruiting, and career path planning.
• Active participation in industry associations and a visible profile in the market sector.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse teams across market sectors, regions, and business groups.
• Commitment to HDR’s values and employee-owned culture.

Skills

• Strong financial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel and engage with stakeholders in person.
• Demonstrated success in growing programs in competitive markets and winning high-value contracts.
• Experience in writing compelling content based on technical information.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $176,000 - $315,000, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Locations

Primary Location: United States-Nebraska-Omaha
Other Locations: United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-Florida-Doral, United States-Minnesota, United States-Wyoming-Cheyenne, United States-California-Long Beach, United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis Park, United States-Wyoming, United States-Florida-Fort Lauderdale, United States-Pennsylvania-Bethlehem, United States-Oregon-Salem, United States-Maryland-Baltimore, United States-Texas-Fort Worth, United States-Montana-Missoula, United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC