Northern California Business Development Leader (Water Business Group)

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.

What You’ll Do

Co-create annual growth strategies with leadership to meet ambitious financial goals and expand our regional footprint.

Identify and engage with key decision‑makers across public and private sectors. You’ll be the face of HDR in the Bay Area.

Partner with technical and market leaders to craft winning strategies and proposals that resonate with clients.

Use HDR’s business tools to track progress, analyze trends, and make informed decisions.

Work with marketing to develop compelling materials that showcase our expertise and elevate our brand.

Serve as a trusted advisor and project principal, ensuring client satisfaction and long‑term partnerships.

Share your knowledge and passion with emerging professionals, helping shape the next generation of leaders.

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

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 strategiesStrong 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

Benefits
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $167,475.00 – $258,390.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.

Location
Primary Location: United States-California-Walnut Creek
Other Locations: United States-California-Santa Clara

Schedule
Full‑time

Job Posting Date
Dec 29 2025

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