Area Market Sector Leader - Aerospace, Texas

Area Market Sector Leader - Aerospace, Texas

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? We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.

The Area Market Sector Leader - Aerospace (AMSL) serves as HDR's lead for the Aerospace market within the designated area. This leadership role combines market growth, client service, and project delivery responsibilities to advance HDR's position as a trusted advisor in the aerospace industry. The AMSL is responsible for developing and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying and securing new business opportunities, and ensuring high-quality project delivery that meets HDR's business and performance objectives within the assigned area. The AMSL is also responsible for providing support to the market sector on larger or strategic pursuits within the larger geographical region.

Primary Responsibilities

• Client Knowledge & Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for key aerospace clients ensuring exceptional service and client satisfaction. Develop a comprehensive understanding of client business objectives, funding sources, and requirements to align HDR's services with client needs. Foster strong, multi-level relationships between HDR and client organizations to promote collaboration and long-term partnerships. Maintain client engagement through active participation in relevant industry associations, events, and conferences. Monitor client satisfaction, retention, and revenue performance; proactively address issues and identify opportunities for improvement. Utilize CRM tools and analytics to monitor account health, opportunity pipelines, and NFB performance metrics.
• Business Development: Work alongside the Aerospace Sector Director (ASD) and lead the development and execution of HDR's Aerospace market growth strategy within the area. Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with HDR's strengths and client priorities. Collaborate with all HDR's business groups and market sectors to deliver integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions. Develop and implement client development plans and area strategy plans. Identify and champion strategic investments, to support the aerospace sector in your area. Track and report on business development metrics including pursuit success, revenue growth and client expansion. Support the ASD and market sector growth strategy in the larger geographical region as needed.
• Marketing & Positioning: Work with ASD to help define and implement marketing strategies. Conduct market analyses to identify emerging trends, competitive positioning and client needs. Represent HDR through active participation in professional organizations, conferences, and thought leadership initiatives. Support corporate and area marketing teams with targeted messaging, promotional activities, and event participation that align with HDR's brand strategy.
• Pursuits: Serve as pursuit champion for key aerospace opportunities, leading capture planning, proposal strategy, and team coordination. Oversee proposal development to ensure compliance, technical quality, and clear communication of HDR's value proposition. Support follow-on business through consistent client engagement and identification of new opportunities with existing accounts.
• Project Delivery: Serve as Project Director, Project Principal, or Project Manager on select aerospace projects, ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction. Plan, direct, and monitor project delivery to meet or exceed quality, financial, and schedule objectives. Support project teams with contract development, risk management, staffing and QA/QC activities. Partner with production managers, business class directors, and practice groups to optimize technical expertise and resource allocation. Promote lessons learned, continuous improvement, and best practices across HDR's aerospace project portfolio. Work with Area Business Group Managers to manage profitability, workload balance, and resource utilization within the market sector.

Metrics & Reporting

Client Relationship Strength: Retention, satisfaction, and engagement depth. Financial Performance: Achievement of area aerospace NFB, NFE, and profitability goals. Market Growth: Revenue expansion, pursuit success rate, and client diversification. Operational Excellence: Quality metrics, schedule performance, and effective risk management. Talent Development: Employee engagement, retention, and leadership pipeline strength.

Core Competencies

Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and growth orientation. Trusted client partner who consistently delivers value and strengthens relationships. Collaborative leader skilled in team building, mentoring, and performance management. Advocate for technical excellence, quality and innovation. Committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performing work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree or professional licensure preferred. Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in the Aerospace or related industries with demonstrated success in client management, business development, and project delivery. Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex, large scale projects. Strong understanding of aerospace infrastructure, facilities, planning and emerging technologies. Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. Established network of aerospace industry contacts and professional associations preferred. Preference given to local candidates.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, planning or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of industry experience. Experienced in development and management of strategic marketing programs for planning and/or engineering services. Experienced in development and management of a wide range of client relationships and specific program and/or project pursuits. Experienced in overall staff development to include recruiting, career path and professional growth. Experienced with industry associations and maintains a visible profile in the market sector. Ability to work cooperatively with Regional Market Sector Directors, Market Sector Directors, Business Class Directors, Regional Business Group Directors, Area Business Group Managers, Area Marketing Managers and Area Managers. Demonstrated commitment to HDR values. An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.