Senior Director, Customer Energy Solutions – Strategic Advisory & Innovation Leadership in Utility Transformation

About brighthush

brighthush is a leading research, data‑analytics, and technology consulting firm that serves the utility industry across the United States and Canada. With a focus on delivering actionable insights, brighthush empowers utilities to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape, optimize grid performance, and enhance customer engagement. Our team of experts blends deep industry knowledge with cutting‑edge analytics to help utilities unlock value, reduce risk, and accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient grid.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, visionary Senior Director, Customer Energy Solutions to join our dynamic practice. In this role, you will lead large‑scale research, evaluation, and advisory engagements for major utility clients, while shaping the strategic direction of the Customer Energy Solutions practice. You will build and nurture long‑term client relationships, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and translate complex research findings into clear, actionable recommendations that drive tangible business outcomes.

Why brighthush?

• Impactful Work – Your research will directly influence utility strategies, policy decisions, and customer programs that shape the future of energy.
• Collaborative Culture – We value clarity over jargon, substance over flash, and collaboration over ego. Your ideas will be heard and implemented.
• Growth Opportunities – As a senior leader, you will have the chance to develop next‑generation talent, lead practice expansion, and influence the firm’s strategic trajectory.
• Flexible Environment – Remote work with occasional travel (1–4 times a year) allows you to balance professional ambition with personal life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Complex Engagements – Own and deliver the largest, most intricate research and advisory projects for major utility clients, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brighthush standards.
• Client Relationship Management – Serve as a trusted advisor, understanding strategic needs, anticipating risks, and identifying growth opportunities to deepen client partnerships.
• Team Leadership & Development – Direct project managers, technical specialists, and subcontractors; provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to build high‑performing teams.
• Quality & Execution Excellence – Establish rigorous quality assurance processes, review high‑stakes analyses, and guarantee that deliverables meet or exceed client expectations.
• Strategic Thought Leadership – Translate complex research methods and findings into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Financial Stewardship – Manage the financial performance of your portfolio, including revenue forecasting, profitability analysis, resource planning, and timely invoicing.
• Business Development & Proposal Leadership – Champion strategic proposals, lead solution development, and present to senior client stakeholders to secure new business.
• External Visibility – Represent brighthush at conferences, industry events, and through thought‑leadership publications to enhance brand presence.
• Practice‑Level Collaboration – Partner with senior leaders to refine execution models, prioritize resources, and implement practice‑wide strategy.

Essential Qualifications

• Experience – 9+ years of senior‑level consulting experience in the utility or energy sector, with a proven track record of leading large, complex engagements.
• Academic Credentials – Advanced degree in social sciences, engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Research Expertise – Deep proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including design, instrument development, data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting.
• Client‑Centric Leadership – Demonstrated success in building long‑term client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor, and driving client value.
• Business Acumen – Ability to balance strategic vision with operational detail, manage project economics, and align research outcomes with business objectives.
• Communication Skills – Exceptional written and verbal communication, capable of translating complex ideas into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
• People Development – Proven track record of coaching managers and staff, fostering talent, and building future leaders.
• Integrity & Collaboration – Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, collaboration, and a customer‑first mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic business development initiatives and expanding major client accounts.
• Recognition as an industry thought leader through conferences, publications, or professional associations.
• Hands‑on experience with demand‑side management programs in California, including energy efficiency or demand response, and familiarity with state policy frameworks.
• Experience overseeing a portfolio of projects and contributing to practice‑level budgeting and resource planning.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Visionary Leadership
• Advanced Research Design & Methodology
• Client Relationship Management
• Project & Financial Management
• Team Building & Talent Development
• Data‑Driven Decision Making
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Adaptability & Problem Solving
• Industry Knowledge – Utility Operations, Grid Modernization, Energy Policy, Regulatory Environments

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, your professional development is a priority. You will have access to:

• Leadership training programs focused on strategic consulting, client management, and people leadership.
• Cross‑functional projects that broaden your expertise across analytics, technology, and policy.
• Mentorship from senior partners and industry experts.
• Opportunities to publish white papers, speak at industry events, and contribute to brighthush’s knowledge base.
• Clear career pathways to senior partner, practice leader, or executive roles.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush fosters a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our remote‑first model empowers you to work from anywhere while staying connected through:

• Weekly virtual huddles and cross‑team knowledge sharing.
• Regular town‑hall meetings with leadership.
• Access to a digital collaboration platform that supports project management, data sharing, and real‑time communication.
• Inclusive decision‑making processes that value diverse perspectives.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package that reflects your expertise and contributions:

• Base Salary – $145,000–$193,000 USD, commensurate with experience.
• Annual Bonus – Performance‑based bonus aligned with individual, team, and firm goals.
• 401(k) Plan – 3% employer match.
• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans; company‑paid life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) – Paid time off that can be used flexibly, subject to manager approval.
• Parental Leave – Paid parental leave for new parents.
• Professional Development – Reimbursement for certifications, conferences, and continuing education.
• Other perks such as wellness stipends, remote‑work equipment allowances, and employee recognition programs.

Application Process

Ready to shape the future of energy with brighthush? Submit your application through our careers portal. We encourage candidates who meet the essential qualifications and possess a passion for driving client success in the utility sector.

Equal Opportunity Statement

brighthush is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Contact & Next Steps

To learn more about brighthush and the Senior Director, Customer Energy Solutions role, visit our careers page or reach out to our recruiting team. We look forward to exploring how your expertise can help us deliver transformative solutions to our utility clients.