Rail and Transit Department Lead

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?

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.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Rail & Transit Department Lead include focus areas for operations, team management, direct projects and business development. The direct reports for this position will include Section Managers within the Department and possibly additional specialty and practice leaders. The Sections include Delivery for Rail, Design for Track and Operations, Maintenance and Systems. The role supports the growth and success of all market sectors within the Transportation industry.

Operations

• Oversight and overall responsibility of the department, delivery of services and deliverables, winning work and staff engagement
• Provide leadership and direction to the Department staff in cooperation with executive, market sector, business class, and practice leaders. Work cooperatively to inform corporate leadership teams about staffing needs and additional skill training needs
• Responsible for meeting department business indicators and plans, including bookings, earnings, and profit. Actively participate in development and implementation of the annual plan and budget for target growth goals, in cooperation with market sectors and operational management
• Management oversight of the project work within the department is properly planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through the proactive project management system and monthly business reviews
• Communicate, implement, and monitor department procedures, processes and adherence to corporate and company policies and project contractual terms

Team Management

• Oversee project staffing and workload balancing
• Manage activities of personnel within a department to provide high-quality services and to achieve or exceed plan results
• Coordinate, monitor and improve technical competencies of Department staff and products to meet client needs and market drivers
• Oversee hiring, performance evaluation, staff development, training, recognition, and retention

Direct Projects

• Function as Principal-in-Charge/Senior Project Manager/Quality Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to operations and business development responsibilities
• Implement and participate in department quality assurance of project quality control procedures, represent the Quality Program and convey corporate quality goals, participate in risk management reviews, business reviews and disputes resolution activities

Business Development

• Has a wide network of connection and understanding of the Transportation industry; develop relationships with industry counterparts in other consulting organizations
• Be active and visible; participate in industry associations and serve as a company role-model in business and community organizations
• Support pursuits through development of strategy, participation in pursuit activities, contributes to proposal writing, fee estimates, interviews, etc

• Serve as a client manager for selected clients and maintains trusted relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Actively engaged in professional or industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field
• 10 years of experience
• Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
• Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience
• Experienced in development and management of diverse teams
• Works cooperatively with other area business class leaders, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts
• 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.

At HDR, the health and safety of our employees is of the upmost importance. In accordance with local safety, health, and environmental legislation, HDR is committed to developing, maintaining, and enforcing proactive safe work policies, procedures, and standards.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, we are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process by contacting our Human Resources team.

HDR is a certified Living Wage Employer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.