Central Region Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architecture Cross Sector 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 architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world.

From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.

The Central Region Cross Sector Lead provides strategic, operational and people leadership for the Urban Design, Planning and Landscape Architecture (UDPLA) Cross Sector. The role supports all existing and emerging UDPLA studios within the region by promoting design excellence, quality project delivery, workshare, coaching, mentorship and effective decision-making.

The role drives regional growth, strengthens our relationships across the matrix, and acts as the connector between the global practice and the needs of local and regional clients, markets and teams.

In the role of Central Region UDPLA Cross Sector Lead, we will count on you to:

• Partner with the UDPLA Cross Sector Director to build operational plans and processes that elevate the urban design, planning and landscape architecture practices in the Central region and globally.
• Take responsibility for area coordination, monitoring and improvement of design and technical competencies of UDPLA staff to meet client needs and market drivers, while remaining aligned with global UDPLA plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with UDPLA staff and internal partners across the HDR matrix, including operations, sectors, cross sectors, and design.
• Develop strong internal and external client relationships; engage in business development and marketing efforts to win work; seek opportunities to offer UDPLA services and collaborate across discipline.
• Support UDPLA Studio Leaders as they work to proactively manage studio operations and design production, including work planning and utilization, marketing support and staff development.
• Actively engage in recruiting, mentoring and development of UDPLA staff to support growth and evolution of our practice in the region.
• Establish, advocate and lead advancement of the practice through key priorities and initiatives that positively impact design, technical delivery and management.
• Demonstrate exemplary design excellence and quality project delivery through continued learning and engagement in projects and pursuits, utilizing the expertise in your discipline.
• Participation in relevant design / industry / community activities that further HDR’s brand.

Preferred Qualifications

• Actively engaged in professional and industry associations to enhance HDR technical expertise and brand
• Licensed professional (AICP for urban designers / planners; PLA for landscape architects)
• Passion for collaboration and creating effective new connections within our matrix organization to further the identity and growth of the UDPLA cross sector
• Proven ability to build and lead effective projects and teams
• Broad realm influence and effective leadership skills
• Demonstrated experience mentoring professionals to further their growth in design and implementation, client management, and their influence in a matrix organization
• Experience and passion for sustainable and/or regenerative design
• Proven initiative and experience developing client relationships, including pursuit strategy, teaming and proposal content
• Excellent communication, time management, graphic and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel for project work and internal collaboration with the HDR urban design, planning and landscape architecture practice

Interested candidates should respond with job application, resume and portfolio of recent work samples (via web-based link).

Required Qualifications

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

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.

Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Anticipated pay range - Denver: $176,099 - $225,000; Chicago: $176,099 - 225,000: Primary Location:United States-Nebraska-Omaha Other Locations:United States-Missouri-Kansas City, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-Colorado-Denver, United States-Illinois-Chicago Industry:Urban Design, Planning, Landscape Architecture Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Urban Design-Planning-Landscape Architecture Job Posting:Jul 7, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.