Managing Consulting - Human Centered Reserach for Energy Efficiency Programs

Guidehouse; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 102,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental insurance

Sick time & holidays

Bonus potential

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Mobility stipend

Job summary

Guidehouse is seeking a Managing Consultant to lead human-centered research initiatives across the project lifecycle, from planning to insight development, helping clients create programs and services that improve outcomes and customer experiences.

The role requires expertise in surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability studies, and program evaluation, with hands-on Qualtrics work and ability to tailor approaches to client needs. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Must be a US Permanent Resident or US Citizen due to nature of client engagements.
• Bachelor's degree AND Five (5+) plus years relevant post-graduation work experience; Or Master's degree AND Three (3+) plus years relevant post-graduation work experience.
• Strong experience in primary research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies.
• Strong consulting and client-facing skills with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor.
• Must demonstrate experience with leading human-centered research initiatives and with planning through analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centered research engagements throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, data collection, analysis, and insight development.
• Design and execute primary research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies to answer client questions and improve program outcomes.
• Lead the development, programming, testing, deployment, and management of survey research efforts using Qualtrics.
• Develop evaluation plans, research frameworks, and analytical approaches aligned to client objectives.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, synthesize findings, and translate research into actionable recommendations.
• Conduct and interpret survey analyses, attribution research, and program evaluation support.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by identifying challenges and guiding program decisions.

Skills

Primary research

Survey design

Qualtrics

Project management

Client-facing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Qualtrics

Job description

What You Will Do

This Managing Consultant role requires strong experience in primary research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies, as well as project management and creative problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will lead human-centered research throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and data collection to analysis and insight development, helping clients create programs and services that drive desired outcomes and positive customer experiences.

Job Family

Sustainability Consulting

Travel Required

Up to 10%

Clearance Required

None

What You Will Do

This Managing Consultant role requires strong experience in primary research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies, as well as project management and creative problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will lead human-centered research throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and data collection to analysis and insight development, helping clients create programs and services that drive desired outcomes and positive customer experiences.

The role also requires experience managing large-scale survey efforts, administering the Qualtrics platform, and translating quantitative and qualitative findings into actionable insights. Expertise in net-to-gross analysis, attribution methodologies, and interpretation of evaluation results is highly desired to support program evaluations. The candidate should be comfortable tailoring research approaches to unique client needs and navigating ambiguity in evolving program environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centered research engagements throughout the project lifecycle, including planning, data collection, analysis, and insight development.
• Design and execute primary research methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies to answer client questions and improve program outcomes.
• Lead the development, programming, testing, deployment, and management of survey research efforts using Qualtrics, ensuring data quality, respondent experience, and efficient survey operations.
• Develop evaluation plans, research frameworks, and analytical approaches aligned to client objectives and program performance questions.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, synthesize findings, and translate research into clear, actionable recommendations and compelling visualizations.
• Conduct and interpret survey analyses, net-to-gross assessments, attribution research, and participant decision-making studies to support evaluation and program performance objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by identifying challenges, recommending solutions, and guiding evaluation, customer experience, and program strategy decisions.
• Tailor research approaches to unique client needs, navigate ambiguity, and make sound methodological tradeoffs in evolving program environments.
• Manage work plans, staffing, deadlines, budgets, and project risks across multiple engagements while collaborating closely with team leadership.
• Participate in and lead business development, training, knowledge sharing, and cultural efforts.
• Drive cultural values through exemplary leadership, a people-first approach, and cultivation of an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment.

What You Will Need

• Must be a US Permanent Resident or US Citizen due to nature of client engagements.
• Bachelor's degree AND Five (5+) plus years relevant post-graduation work experience; Or Master's degree AND Three (3+) plus years relevant post-graduation work experience. Degree emphasis should be in either human-centric research and design, analysis, logical reasoning, and/or problem solving (e.g., social science, economics, market research, etc.).
• Strong experience in primary research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and usability studies.
• Strong consulting and client-facing skills with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor.
• Must demonstrate experience with the following:
• Leading human-centered research initiatives from planning through analysis, insight development, and client reporting.
• Designing, programming, administering, and managing surveys within Qualtrics or similar research platforms.
• Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and communicating findings clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Synthesizing customer, participant, and stakeholder insights into actionable recommendations that improve programs, services, and customer experiences.
• Project management experience, including managing multiple workstreams, deadlines, staffing, budgets, and client expectations.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate ambiguous problem spaces.
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies, including net-to-gross analysis, attribution assessment, participant decision-making research, and survey-based evaluation approaches.
• Ability to tailor research approaches to unique client needs and evolving program environments.
• Ability to collaborate with team leadership and keep them informed of project progress, risks, and key developments.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work onsite in a Guidehouse Office or Client Office as needed.

What Would Be Nice To Have

• Preference will be given to candidates residing within 50 miles of Guidehouse Office.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in human-centric research and design.
• Experience with energy efficiency programs or energy-related technologies, programs, and services.
• Experience leading multiple portfolios in net-to-gross, attribution, free-ridership, spillover, or related EM&V analyses within the Utilities/Energy industry.
• Experience serving as a Qualtrics administrator, governance lead, or center-of-excellence lead supporting multiple research teams and projects.
• Experience using visualizations such as journey maps, customer journeys, personas, lifecycle analyses, and other human-centered design artifacts to communicate insights.
• Experience developing new research approaches when no clear precedent or best practice exists.
• Familiarity with EM&V, market research, customer behavior analysis, program evaluation, and regulatory environments.

The annual salary range for this position is $102,000.00-$170,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits Include

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
• Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Student Loan PayDown
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Employee Referral Program
• Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
• Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
• Mobility Stipend

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

If you have visited our website for information about employment opportunities, or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Guidehouse Recruiting at 1-571-633-1711 or via email at [e-mail]. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodation.