Managing Consulting - Human Centered Reserach for Energy Efficiency Programs

Guidehouse Inc.; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Guidehouse Inc. is seeking a Managing Consultant to lead human-centered research across the project lifecycle, from planning to insights. You will design and execute surveys, manage large-scale studies in Qualtrics, and translate data into actionable recommendations for clients.

Expect client-facing work, cross‑functional collaboration, and travel as needed. You will guide evaluation plans, net-to-gross analyses, and attribution research while tailoring approaches to each client’s needs and

Qualifications

• 5+ years post‑graduation work experience in research (or 3+ with a Master’s degree)
• Experience with primary research methods: surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability studies
• Strong consulting and client‑facing skills as a trusted advisor
• Experience leading research from planning through analysis, insight development, and reporting
• Designing, programming, administering, and managing surveys in Qualtrics or similar platforms

Responsibilities

• Lead human-centered research engagements across the project lifecycle: planning, data collection, analysis and insight development
• Design and execute primary research methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability studies) to answer client questions
• Lead survey research using Qualtrics ensuring data quality and efficient operations
• Develop evaluation plans and methodological frameworks aligned to client objectives
• Analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations and visualizations
• Conduct and interpret survey analyses, net-to-gross assessments, attraction research
• Advise clients, identify challenges, and guide evaluation and program strategy
• Tailor research approaches to client needs and evolving environments
• Manage work plans, staffing, budgets, and project risks across engagements
• Participate in business development, knowledge sharing and cultural initiatives
• Drive leadership and cultivate an inclusive work environment

Skills

Human-centered research

Survey design

Interviews

Focus groups

Usability studies

Project management

Client-facing

Data analysis

Qualtrics

Communication

Insight synthesis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human‑centric research/design or related field

Master’s degree in human‑centric research/design or related field

Tools

Qualtrics

Job description

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 po