Consulting Practices Manager

Willdan•Anaheim, CA

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Consulting Practices Manager will serve as a key role in advancing Willdan’s consulting practice and methods through research, ideation, testing, refining, support, and active project work. The role serves to advance our consulting methods by imagining and testing new delivery approaches, analysis types, data visualization, and conveyance methods - all to maintain our consulting cutting edge while delivering for the changing needs of the A/E/C community. By proactively identifying metrics and insight that resonate with architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners, this role will ensure that our consulting translates into actionable practices in support of high-performance design. Beyond energy and carbon, the Consulting Practices Manager will also investigate and integrate non-energy benefits—including occupant health, comfort, resilience, and other emerging priorities—into our consulting frameworks. The role combines technical expertise, innovation, and communication skills to shape the next generation of consulting practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, environmental science, data science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
7+ years of experience in building performance, sustainability consulting, or related practice, with demonstrated ability to influence design teams.
Strong knowledge of building systems, energy efficiency, carbon reduction strategies, and non-energy performance drivers (e.g., health, comfort, resilience).
Awareness of energy modeling tools and programs such as EnergyPro, DOE2, EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder, eQuest, or others.
Knowledge of energy codes and standards (such as Title 24, ASHRAE 55, 62.1, 90.1, 189.1)
Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret complex information, make strategic recommendations to guide decision-making by identifying anticipated benefits, consequences and impacts of alternative system options.
Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven experience designing and applying metrics that connect technical analysis to client goals.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to translate technical results into clear narratives for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to innovate, problem-solve, and apply creative approaches in a consulting environment.
Collaborative mindset, with a record of working effectively across teams and with external stakeholders.
Knowledge of utility sponsored energy efficiency programs, specifically those that target the design of new buildings.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks to ensure timely delivery of high-quality deliverables.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders while delivering excellent customer service in a highly dynamic growth environment.
Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, evolving, entrepreneurial work environment.

Nice To Haves

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP)
LEED Accredited Professional
Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP)
Commissioning Authority (CxA)
Licensure in related field (Professional Engineer or Registered Architect)

Responsibilities

Advance Practice Standards
Identify opportunities to evolve consulting methods.
Create templates, best practices, and standardized approaches to ensure consistent and impactful client engagement and positive project impact.
Collaborate with New Technologies Manager by providing/discussing ideas, information, background, and insight necessary for new tool development (tools to be developed by New Technologies Manager or others).
Investigate Market and Industry Trends
Actively monitor market and industry trends, research, codes, and market developments related to building performance, carbon reduction, occupant health, and resilience.
From market research, bring metrics, presentation methods, approaches, and examples that forecast and meet evolving client and customer needs to drive deeper savings, translating these insights into practical approaches and best practices for our team’s work.
Identify and Develop Metrics and Methods
Research, evaluate, and define energy performance, carbon performance, and non-energy benefits (e.g., occupant well-being, resilience, indoor air quality, and other emerging drivers) and their potential for including in programs to add value for customers.
Communication Tool Innovation
Design, test, and refine methods of presenting technical analyses in clear, accessible formats for varied audiences, including graphics, dashboards, reports, and interactive visuals.
Bring together presentations of multiple tools (Willdan and other market tools) to meet customer and client needs, while driving deeper savings.
Coordinate with Consultant team members to assist with testing and integrating these tools into active projects.
Support Consulting Teams
Collaborate with Building Performance Consultants on projects to integrate new metrics and presentation methods into day-to-day consulting practices.
Provide guidance and training to help the Consulting team adopt improved workflows.
Project Team Engagement
Participate in selected project meetings with other TWG consultants to introduce, demonstrate, and test new methods directly with project teams.
Summarize feedback from project teams for review by role leads and to assist in refining approaches.
Coordinate with Role Leads and Leadership
Work closely with the Senior Consultant Managers and other role leads to ensure that new methods, tools, and practices are aligned with company objectives and client priorities.
Workflow Development
In coordination with Consultant Role Leads and Program Managers, create and refine workflows and how-to resources for the consultant team’s use and implementation.
Collaborate with Consultant Role Leads to train/guide consulting teams on use of these resources and best practices.
Promote Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
Lead internal discussions, workshops, or pilot projects to test and scale new consulting practices. Document findings and communicate results across the team.
Market / Industry / Team Presence
Maintain active participation in local markets, attend events, draft and present materials at industry or other events, conferences, or marketing opportunities.
Participate in and/or take a formal role in ASHRAE, AIA, and other technical or professional committees, attend regular meetings / committees at local level.
Work in Willdan office minimum two days per week to support other consultants and drive active discussion.
Maintain Active Consulting Practice
Remain closely engaged with consulting practice by taking on and performing active project work in the Consultant role across all markets, ensuring deep understanding and alignment with the evolving needs of project teams and clients.