Business Optimization Managing Consultant, Federal Budget & Acquisitions

Guidehouse•Tysons, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves supporting high-impact initiatives for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading complex projects focused on improving financial, acquisition, and operational performance across the enterprise. The position requires direct engagement with executive leadership, ownership of delivery execution, and a strong command of project management discipline. In addition to client delivery, the role includes a key leadership function within the account, focusing on developing and mentoring junior team members, identifying and capturing new business opportunities, driving internal initiatives, creating new capabilities, authoring internal policies, and serving as a day-to-day guide for junior staff. The role requires three days on-site each week at the FDA White Oak Campus in White Oak, Maryland.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
5+ years (10 preferred) of professional experience supporting federal clients, with demonstrated success in project management and delivery execution
Proven experience working directly with executive leadership
Demonstrated experience developing executive-level communications, including briefings, presentations, and decision materials
Experience managing project teams, including assigning work, tracking progress, and validating deliverables against defined timelines
Experience managing staffing allocations across multiple workstreams on a weekly basis
Strong project management background, including planning, execution, and performance tracking
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher preferred)
Experience supporting or delivering IT-related projects or business system implementations
Strong business graphic design and presentation development skills, including advanced use of PowerPoint
Experience with Microsoft Office 365 tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint) to support analysis and decision-making
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while maintaining alignment with leadership priorities
Experience capturing stakeholder requirements, conducting process analysis, and developing actionable solutions
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (i.e. US citizenship is required)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Experience supporting executive leadership at the Food and Drug Administration
Experience working in business transformation or centralized operating models
Experience applying data visualization tools to communicate insights
Familiarity with federal budget, acquisition, and financial management processes
Proven ability to operate in a high-tempo environment with competing priorities
Strong attention to detail with a track record of delivering high-quality, accurate work
Experience developing and mentoring junior team members
Experience in: Budget formulation and execution: Developing and managing federal budgets, including appropriated funds and user fees
Financial management: Supporting financial accountability and financial operations
Financial analysis: Evaluating cost structures, resource allocation, and performance trends to inform leadership decisions
Project and program management: Leading complex, multi-workstream initiatives with defined delivery cadence and measurable outcomes
Executive communications: Delivering clear, concise materials that support senior leader decision-making

Responsibilities

Lead and manage high-visibility projects supporting FDA priorities, including budget, acquisition, and business transformation initiatives.
Engage directly with executive leadership to shape strategy, provide recommendations, and deliver executive-level communications.
Own deliverable quality by identifying, correcting, and preventing errors, and holding the team accountable for producing accurate, client-ready work.
Develop clear, concise executive briefings, presentations, and decision materials tailored for senior leaders.
Manage weekly staffing allocations across multiple workstreams, aligning resources to priorities and contract deliverables.
Validate work performed by team members meets weekly and bi-weekly objectives, quality standards, and client expectations.
Provide hands-on project management oversight, including planning, execution, risk management, and performance tracking.
Support IT-enabled initiatives and modernization efforts, translating business needs into actionable plans.
Apply business graphic design principles to produce high-quality, visually compelling deliverables.
Mentor and oversee junior staff, reinforcing accountability, quality, and consistency in delivery.
Develop and mentor junior team members, building core consulting, communication, and delivery skills.
Identify, shape, and capture new business opportunities across the FDA, contributing to growth exceeding $2M annually.
Drive internal initiatives such as Project Management Office (PMO) development, culture-building activities, Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, Lunch and Learns, and All-Hands meetings.
Create and mature new capabilities that expand service offerings and strengthen account delivery.
Author internal policies, procedures, and processes to improve quality, consistency, and scalability.
Serve as a day-to-day guide for junior staff, reinforcing strong consulting practices and high-quality client service delivery.
Collaborate closely with account Directors and Partner leadership to align on priorities, performance, and growth.

Benefits

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