Strategic Transportation Practice Director

HDR; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a senior leader to guide and grow our Transportation Business Group within the United States, focusing on highways, bridges, transit, and planning. The role requires steering strategic growth, expanding HDR's presence, and delivering high-quality transportation solutions while mentoring a high-performing team.

Based in Phoenix, this position demands strong leadership, collaboration with regional and national leaders, and a deep commitment to HDR values and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams.
• Commitment to quality, improvement and HDR values.
• Active engagement with professional or industry associations to enhance HDR expertise.
• Ability to collaborate with regional/local managers, other area business group directors, technical directors and marketing managers.
• Active participant in HDR's employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Be the face of HDR's transportation practice across the area, strengthening our presence, partnerships, and reputation within the transportation industry.
• Guide the direction and performance of the Transportation Business Group by developing, implementing, and maintaining programs that support growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Lead strategic growth initiatives, identifying new opportunities and expanding HDR's impact across key transportation markets, including highways and roads, bridges and structures, transit and rail, traffic engineering, freight and logistics, aviation, active transportation, and transportation planning.
• Drive the development and execution of business strategies that align with the goals and objectives of the business group, region, and company.
• Partner with regional and national transportation leaders to advance technical services, delivery methods, production practices, and quality standards that support HDR's strategic vision.
• Take responsibility for business development efforts, market growth, client engagement, and positioning HDR for continued success across public and private transportation clients, including state DOTs, cities, counties, transit agencies, airports, and transportation authorities.
• Foster collaboration across offices, disciplines, and business classes, promoting effective communication, resource sharing, and integrated project delivery.
• Build and empower a high‑performing team through recruitment, mentoring, professional development, and succession planning.
• Cultivate strong client relationships, supporting strategic pursuits and serving as a trusted advisor to transportation agencies, municipalities, and industry partners.
• Advance technical excellence by overseeing transportation services and ensuring projects are delivered with the highest levels of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction.
• Monitor business and operational performance, implementing improvements that enhance efficiency, project delivery, and profitability.
• Champion HDR's values and standards, ensuring adherence to quality management, risk management, and company policies.
• Contribute to regional and company‑wide planning initiatives, helping shape the future direction of HDR's transportation practice.
• Represent HDR through active participation in industry organizations, conferences, and community engagement activities that strengthen our visibility and influence throughout the transportation sector.
• Perform other leadership responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Leadership experience

Leading diverse teams

Professional engineering registration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or closely related field

Job description

HDR is seeking a senior leader to guide and grow our Transportation Business Group within the United States, focusing on highways, bridges, transit, and planning. The role requires steering strategic growth, expanding HDR's presence, and delivering high-quality transportation solutions while mentoring a high-performing team.

Based in Phoenix, this position demands strong leadership, collaboration with regional and national leaders, and a deep commitment to HDR values and client satisfaction.