Transportation Planning Section Manager

HDR, Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Tampa, FL, seeks a Transportation Planning Section Manager to lead and grow our transportation planning practice in the Tampa office.

This leadership role oversees multidisciplinary teams delivering planning, NEPA/PD&E studies, traffic engineering, and policy services for clients across the Tampa Bay region. You will mentor staff, advance business development, and collaborate with market leaders to ensure profitability and exceptional client service while advancing HDR's

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years experience.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the transportation planning section operations and staff.
• Grow and expand local planning program and support growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with Marketing Manager and Project Managers to meet financial goals.
• Provide mentorship and career development.
• Develop client relationships and pursue new opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Employee ownership culture

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Transportation Planning Section Manager - ( 197123 )

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? #LI-JG9
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you’re modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next‑generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee‑owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

HDR is seeking a Transportation Planning Section Manager to lead and grow our transportation planning practice in our Tampa office. This leadership role is responsible for managing and expanding our local planning program, supporting strategic growth initiatives, achieving business and financial performance goals, and contributing to the area marketing strategy in collaboration with the Marketing Manager, fellow Section Managers, and Project Managers.

The Transportation Planning Section Manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team engaged in transportation planning, project development, NEPA/PD&E studies, traffic engineering, community planning, transit planning, and transportation policy services. These efforts support a diverse portfolio of transportation clients throughout the Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida region.

Key responsibilities include fostering a high‑performing and collaborative team environment, recruiting and developing talent, and building staff capabilities with a focus on preparing future Project Managers and Deputy Project Managers. The Section Manager will provide mentorship, technical guidance, and career development opportunities to support employee growth and retention. This position will also work closely with regional business development leaders, client managers, and area leadership to strengthen client relationships, pursue new opportunities, and enhance HDR's transportation planning presence throughout the region. The successful candidate will help ensure the continued profitability, operational excellence, and long‑term success of the transportation planning practice while delivering exceptional service to our clients.

In the role of Transportation Planning Section Leader, we’ll count on you to:

• Take responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
• Function as Project Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities
• Take administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews
• Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues
• See that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
• Implement, monitor and support company policy
• Select, train, develop and manage technical personnel
• Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
• Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
• Perform other duties as needed

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• 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.

Primary Location

United States-Florida-Tampa

Industry

Transit

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Transportation Planning

Job Posting

Oct 27, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.