Program Manager - Waste

HDR; Woodcliff Lake (NJ); On-site; USD 174,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Comprehensive benefits package

Travel across NY/NJ

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Program Manager for the Waste sector in the New York/New Jersey region. You will lead large, multidisciplinary teams through all project stages, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery while maintaining client satisfaction.

You will mentor staff, drive program growth, and collaborate with HDR and subconsultants. HDR emphasizes employee ownership and a strong, inclusive culture in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• 3–10 years program/project management experience for large capital programs (e.g. $50M–$200M+).
• Strong leadership & cross-location team management.
• Excellent communication and client-facing presentation skills.
• Experience with DB, PDB, CMAR delivery methods.
• Familiar with PMIS, CMIS, scheduling, cost control, document management, risk management, dashboards.
• Active participant in an employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead large multidisciplinary infrastructure program with technical complexity.
• Direct and monitor all aspects of program execution, governance, and processes.
• Oversee HDR and subconsultant teams; ensure contract compliance and resources.
• Implement QA/QC programs to meet client expectations.
• Identify risks and assist with resolution and decision making.
• Develop processes/tools to drive efficiency and accountability.
• Build and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

PMIS

Scheduling

Cost control

Risk management

Design-build

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration, or closely related field

Tools

PMIS

CMIS

Scheduling tools

Job description

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch our 'About Us' video

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

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 that span 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 isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.

The Program Manager will be an executive level team member on the front line with the client, program management teams and construction teams to help shape delivery of the Waste program across New York / New Jersey. You are a seasoned leader with top-notch communication skills. You are comfortable leading multi-disciplinary teams necessary to complete complex projects ranging from engineering, estimating, scheduling, project controls and construction delivery - the entire life cycle.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assume leadership responsibilities for large multidisciplinary infrastructure program with a high-degree of technical complexity.
• Plan, direct and monitor all aspects of program execution. This may involve the development and implementation of strategies, a governance structure, best practices, and business processes aimed at successful program delivery.
• Oversee all services provided by large program consultant team comprised of HDR and subconsultant staff. Ensure compliance with all contract terms and secure the resources required to deliver all services specified in the contract scope.
• Monitor team performance and establish robust QA/QC program to ensure all services provided meet client expectations.
• Anticipate and identify potential issues and risks that may impact program implementation, and assist the client with problem solving, issues resolution, risk mitigation and timely decision making.
• Develop and apply processes and tools to drive efficiencies, control outcomes and promote accountability.
• Build client relationship

With the goal of becoming their long-term trusted advisor

• Contribute to HDR’s program management growth strategy.
• Mentor and train staff while executing the program.
• Perform other program management related duties as needed
• Travel when needed across NY/NJ metro area

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference given to local candidates
• Experience working for an A/E/C consulting firm
• Professional registration, license or certification in NY/NJ

Required 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

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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 depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) {Woodcliff Lake, NJ}: $173,688 - $248,125

Primary Location:United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff LakeIndustry:WasteSchedule:Full-timeEmployee Status:RegularBusinessClass:Program ManagementJob Posting:Aug 21, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.