NE/IA Water Business Development Manager

NE/IA Water Business Development ManagerAt 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? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.Primary Responsibilities:Working closely with the Nebraska/Iowa Water Business Group Manager, the Regional Business Development Leaders, and Regional Market Sector Leads.Identifying, developing, and directing clients' business opportunities across four market sectors: Drinking Water, Wastewater, Federal Water, and Water Resource Management in Nebraska and Iowa.Maintaining and expanding existing client relationships, identifying, establishing, and nurturing relationships with new target clients, developing market networks, forecasting and positioning the firm for project pursuits that result in selection and award, as well as leading project pursuits including the development of winning strategies, preparation of proposals and presentations, quality review, and coaching presentation teams.Market analysis and strategic plan development.The selected candidate will need excellent writing, presentation, and speaking skills.Specific duties and responsibilities:Identify and qualify leads that outline a path to achieving annual area and market sector Net Fee Booked (NFB) goalsAchieve area and market sector NFB goalsManage area business development and marketing budgetsManage client relationship management and financial systems to inform reporting metrics and dashboardsMaintain a strong understanding of the market trends and drivers impacting our clientsDevelop annual and long-term strategic plans within established company direction and goals, including creating growth initiatives and prioritizing strategic investmentsImplement key growth initiatives and investments as defined in annual and long-term strategic plansServe as a Client Manager (for assigned accounts), which includes maintaining strong client relationships and a deep understanding of the client's organization, trends/drivers, and upcoming opportunities.Develop and implement client plans, including long-term strategies to capture market share, as assignedDevelop business relationships with teaming partnersImplement go/no-go decision process in accordance with HDR's Matrix of AuthorityLead pursuit teams in creating and implementing effective win strategies (capture planning)Engage the appropriate project management and technical talent in pursuit of teamsParticipate in pursuit teams to develop persuasive proposals and interview materialsParticipate in quality reviews of the proposal and interview materialsCoach interview teams to be effective at delivering key messages during interview presentationsFacilitate debriefs to identify improvement opportunities and to measure overall competitivenessRecognize and celebrate the pursuit of successes and milestonesDirect content marketing campaigns to strengthen our brand, increase our visibility, and showcase our thought leaders.Retain, develop, and supervise business development and marketing employees, as assignedIdentify candidates to fill management, technical, business development and marketing positionsTrain and mentor employees on business development and marketing best practicesSolicit and act on formal and informal client feedbackUnderstand and apply HDR's risk management approach when pursuing new business opportunitiesActively participate in professional associations to elevate HDR's brand in target marketsArticulate HDR's capabilities and competitive advantagesPreferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in an engineering (preferred), professional, or related field.Maintain a professional or engineering registration or certificate or have related technical experience15 years of experience with program development, pursuit management, and client relationship development in the water consulting industry.Proven business development success in the water consulting industry.Existing network of clients in the Nebraska and Iowa areas 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.Commitment to being an active participant in HDR's employee-owned culture.Required Qualifications:A minimum of 10 years relevant industry experienceDemonstrated "self-starter" with a history of completing projects with limited oversightDeep knowledge of the A/E/C industry's standard approach to procurement of professional servicesDemonstrated ability to motivate and inspire othersDemonstrated ability to build a network of clients and industry partnersExperience in sales and developing effective win strategiesStrong financial acumen and negotiation skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsProficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPointAbility and desire to travel and engage with others in-personDemonstrated experience in writing compelling content based on information from technical staff