Aerospace Market Sector Leader
Job details
- Location
- Wichita or Overland Park or Kansas City or St Louis
- Work type
- Onsite
- Posted
- today
- Apply on
- hdr.taleo.net
About this role
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.
The Aerospace Market Sector Leader (MSL) serves as HDR’s lead for the Aerospace market within Missouri and Kansas. 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 MSL 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 Missouri and Kansas. The MSL is also responsible for providing support to the market sector on larger or strategic pursuits within the larger geographical region.
Primary responsibilities are categorized as such, and include:
Client Knowledge and 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 Missouri and Kansas.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities that align with HDR’s strengths and client priorities.
Develop and implement client development plans and area strategy plans.
Identify and champion strategic investments, to support the aerospace sector in Missouri and Kansas.
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 and Positioning
Work with the 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 within existing accounts.
Project Delivery
Serve as 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 Business Group Managers and Project Delivery Leaders to manage profitability, workload balance, and utilization within the market sector.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree in engineering, architecture, construction, business management, or a related field.
Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Aerospace or related industries.
Maintains professional licensure and/or industry-relevant certifications.
Deep historical knowledge of the Aerospace industry.
Strong understanding of aerospace infrastructure, facilities, planning, and emerging technologies.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex, large-scale projects.
Established network of aerospace industry contacts and professional associations.
Ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
Demonstrate strong analytical, risk mitigation, and problem-solving skills to effectively serve as a first line of support for project managers.
Strong focus on client experience, management, and outcomes.
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and growth orientation.
Collaborative leader skilled in team building, mentoring, and performance management.
Committed to fostering an inclusive, high-performing work environment.
#LI-MV3
- 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
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.