Design Thinking Strategist IV

Hybrid schedule – 3 days per week onsite in Charlotte, NC12-month contract with potential for extension or full-time hireCompensation: $73-$80/hourABOUT THE ROLEBrooksource is seeking a Design Thinking Strategist to support our Fortune 500 Energy & Utilities client. In this role, you will serve as a leader in the product and services space, helping teams discover innovative solutions that deliver meaningful user experiences and measurable business value.This position will partner closely with business and technology stakeholders to frame opportunities, lead discovery and research efforts, facilitate collaborative workshops, and guide teams through problem definition and solution exploration. The ideal candidate will bring a human-centered approach to product and service design, helping teams translate insights into impactful solutions that can be tested, validated, and successfully delivered.Success in this role requires strong facilitation, strategic thinking, research expertise, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while building alignment across cross‑functional teams and leadership groups.WHAT YOU'LL DOPartner closely with clients and stakeholders to establish shared understanding, alignment, and clarity around business challenges and opportunitiesFoster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and human-centered design throughout the product development lifecycleCoach and support product leaders in strategic decision-making and opportunity prioritizationScope and design research plans based on business objectives, user needs, and technical feasibilityConduct and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research, including stakeholder interviews, user interviews, usability evaluations, and concept validation activitiesTranslate research findings into actionable recommendations that inform product and service directionPlan and facilitate cross-functional workshops focused on ideation, problem definition, requirements gathering, decision-making, and concept explorationGuide teams in effectively communicating complex concepts through written, visual, and presentation formatsServe as a central point of contact for design direction and research-driven recommendations throughout project engagementsCollaborate with product, business, and technology teams to bring solutions from discovery through implementationCreate and maintain key design artifacts such as personas, customer journeys, service blueprints, and related documentationPartner with change management teams to identify organizational impacts and support adoption, training, and transition planningDrive research efforts that help teams better understand users, customers, and business environmentsStructure and lead workshops that align customer insights with business goals, priorities, and strategic outcomesAnalyze and synthesize research findings into clear recommendations that support informed decision-makingWHAT YOU BRING3–5 years of experience in design research, product strategy, product design, service design, or related disciplinesDemonstrated experience guiding products and services through the full lifecycle, from concept through delivery and deploymentStrong background in human-centered design methodologies and research practicesExperience planning and facilitating workshops with cross-functional teams and leadership stakeholdersAbility to connect business objectives, customer needs, and research insights to drive meaningful outcomesExperience conducting stakeholder interviews, user research, usability testing, and concept validationStrong storytelling, presentation, and communication skillsAbility to influence decision-makers through compelling narratives and evidence-based recommendationsExperience creating service blueprints, customer journeys, personas, and other strategic design artifactsAbility to navigate ambiguity and bring structure to complex business challengesStrong collaboration skills with product, technology, business, and change management teamsExperience supporting strategic planning and value assessment initiatives is a plusPortfolio demonstrating product strategy, design research, and service design experience requiredExperience designing AI-enabled solutions or leveraging AI within product and service design processes is a plusConsulting experience strongly preferredWHO YOU AREA strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex problems in ambiguous environmentsA consultant-minded professional who can quickly build trust and credibility with clients and stakeholdersA collaborative facilitator who creates engaging and psychologically safe workshop environmentsA creative problem solver who balances innovation with practical business outcomesA strong communicator capable of influencing stakeholders at multiple levels of an organizationA curious and adaptable learner who embraces new ideas, tools, and technologiesA hands‑on contributor who is willing to roll up their sleeves and help move work forwardA team‑oriented partner who promotes alignment, transparency, and shared successA proactive leader who coaches teams toward a product-focused mindset and drives action through insight and collaborationEight Eleven Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.#J-18808-Ljbffr