Position summary

HDR’s Sustainability and Resiliency (S&R) team is seeking a National Decarbonization & Carbon Management Lead to lead the development and growth of the practice in coordination with local operational leadership and S&R global leadership. Reporting to the Sustainability & Resilience Cross Sector Director, the role provides technical leadership for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, decarbonization planning, net-zero strategies, climate disclosure, and carbon management services across HDR, supporting project delivery, major pursuits, client engagement, and the expansion of HDR’s decarbonization capabilities.

Why this role matters

The role strengthens HDR’s position as a leading advisor in decarbonization and climate action, serving as national/global technical leader for GHG accounting, decarbonization, net-zero, and climate disclosure, and supporting clients in developing GHG inventories, decarbonization strategies, net-zero roadmaps, climate disclosure programs, and climate action plans.

Key responsibilities

• Provide national/global technical leadership for GHG accounting, decarbonization, net-zero strategies, and climate disclosure, serving as SME, senior reviewer, QA/QC role, and methodology owner on project teams.
• Develop the business through strategic and tactical planning, strategic positioning with Business Development Leads, assessing marketplace opportunities, and prioritising client targets.
• Lead project pursuits including client relationship development, pre-marketing, qualifications, proposals, interview content, scopes of work, project budgets, and contractor negotiations, and serve as client manager for key clients.
• Build visibility and reputation through industry presentations, publications, technical committees, conferences, and leadership in decarbonization, net-zero, and climate disclosure initiatives.
• Drive innovation by leading firmwide development and implementation of AI-enabled carbon accounting and decarbonization tools, and establishing technical standards, QA/QC procedures, guidance, and communities of practice.
• Develop staff and growth by mentoring staff across the S&R practice, supporting major pursuits and strategic growth across North America and globally, and supporting Sustainability & Environmental Advisory Services growth, particularly in Canada and the UK.

Team and stakeholders

Reporting to the Sustainability & Resilience Cross Sector Director, the role works across HDR business groups, regions, and global programs, with Business Development Leads, cross-sector and operations leaders, project teams, clients, and strategic partners.

Key details

This role is based in Saint Louis Park, MN (or Madison, WI), within HDR’s Sustainability and Resilience business class, with travel to meet staff across HDR offices and global clients.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in a related field.
• Professional or Engineering registration with related technical experience, if applicable.
• Experience developing and managing diverse teams.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other business class and cross-sector directors, operations managers, technical directors, and marketing managers on cross-sector efforts.
• Commitment to quality, improvement, HDR values, and the employee-owned culture.

Preferred

• Prior staff management and development experience.
• Role or engagement in professional organizations.
• Ability to travel to meet staff across HDR offices and global clients.
• Experience with GHG inventory development, emissions quantification, decarbonization planning, and associated methodologies, frameworks, and analytical tools.