Associate Director, AI

Job Family
Data Science Consulting

Travel Required
Up to 10%

Clearance Required
None

What You Will Do
We are seeking an experienced Associate Director to join our growing AI and Data practice, with a dedicated focus on commercial energy providers. This individual will be a hands-on leader, responsible for shaping and delivering AI- and data-driven transformations that enable utilities to achieve operational excellence, decarbonization goals, grid modernization, and customer-centric innovation.

The Associate Director will oversee cross-functional teams and collaborate directly with client executives and business leaders to drive value through advanced analytics, data strategy, and AI-based solutions. This is a leadership role for someone who thrives at the intersection of technology, data, and industry strategy.

Client Leadership & Engagement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to utility clients on AI and data strategy, including demand forecasting, asset analytics, grid optimization, and customer engagement.
• Lead client engagements end-to-end from strategy through implementation, ensuring delivery excellence and measurable business outcomes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

Solution Development & Innovation

• Design and lead AI/ML and analytics solutions using best-in-class tools and platforms.
• Translate business challenges into actionable use cases and scalable data and analytics products.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform solution development.

Team & Practice Leadership

• Support business development through proposal development, thought leadership, and strategic pursuits.
• Mentor and lead multi-disciplinary consulting teams including data scientists, engineers, and business consultants.
• Contribute to recruiting, talent development, and thought leadership within the practice.

Industry & Domain Expertise

• Apply deep knowledge of the energy and utilities industry to shape strategies around DER integration, energy transition, grid modernization, regulatory compliance, and customer experience.
• Interpret regulatory and policy changes to identify opportunities for AI and data enablement.

What You Will Need

• Minimum SEVEN (7) years of experience of hands-on AI, data engineering, and analytics expertise
• Minimum FIVE (5) years of experience delivering data-driven transformation programs within the utilities or broader energy sector.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/GCP/Azure), and analytics methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the business development lifecycle, such as capture and proposal writing related activities.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale analytics and AI engagements from concept to execution.
• Demonstrated ability to source and lead the formation and execution of successful partnerships between and across major stakeholders including technology partners and business end-users.
• Proven ability to collaborate with audiences with a wide range of technical knowledge and at different levels of an organization, from the C-Suite (CIO, CISO, CDO) to a data engineer or data analyst.
• Ability to influence and motivate a team of data and AI specialists across a variety of functions to establish and deliver capabilities at scale.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

What Would Be Nice To Have

• Bachelor's degree
• Master's Degree in Data Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or related technical field
• AI/LLM Certifications
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

The annual salary range for this position is $149,000.00-$248, 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.

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Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.