Navigant Consulting was a specialized professional services firm focused on advisory, consulting and expert services across healthcare, energy, financial services and litigation support. Headquartered in Chicago, the company provided regulatory consulting, strategic advisory, operations improvement and dispute resolution services to clients navigating complex industry challenges. Navigant built a reputation for deep subject-matter expertise, particularly in healthcare operations and energy markets, helping organizations optimize performance, manage risk and comply with evolving regulations. The workplace culture emphasized expert-led teams, professional growth and client-centric problem solving; consultants typically benefited from structured training, mentoring and exposure to high-profile engagements. A unique detail is Navigant’s strong presence in regulatory and forensic accounting engagements, which positioned it as a trusted advisor in contentious or highly regulated matters. Since its acquisition by Guidehouse, the legacy of Navigant’s sector-focused advisory capabilities continues to influence practice areas and career paths within the larger organization. For consultants and specialists seeking technical depth and impactful client work, Navigant’s profile offers a backdrop of rigorous analysis, industry-focused skill development and collaborative team environments.
"I joined as an analyst and stayed because the teams are genuinely supportive — you’ll get real feedback and mentors who care."
"Work can peak hard during client deliverables, but you’ll learn faster than you expected. The variety of projects keeps things interesting."
"There are days when travel is exhausting, but the smart people and hands-on experience make it worth it."
These snippets reflect the typical mix of pride and challenge you will hear from those working at Navigant Consulting. They are short, honest, and give a sense of the day-to-day experience.
The company culture at Navigant Consulting tends to be collaborative and client-focused. Teams are often project-based, so you will see tight-knit groups form quickly around client work. People value problem solving, practical solutions, and professional development. You will find a meritocratic streak — strong performers are noticed — but there is also a consultancy rhythm that rewards billability and client impact. For those who appreciate structured feedback and the chance to work across industries, the company culture at Navigant Consulting is a good fit.
Work-life balance at Navigant Consulting varies by role and project phase. During steady-state projects you can expect predictable hours and reasonable flexibility; during critical client deadlines you will need to put in extra time. Many employees say that managers are understanding and will support time off when requested, but they also warn that travel and late nights show up often in the busiest seasons. If you value flexibility, you will want to discuss expectations for travel and peak periods up front.
Job security is tied closely to client demand and project pipelines. There are no guarantees in consulting industries. Performance and client relationships are the two main levers that will determine stability for an individual. The firm typically reallocates people to new projects rather than making immediate layoffs, but there will be times when the company adjusts headcount in response to market cycles. Overall, strong performers with good client rapport will find reasonable long-term security.
Leadership emphasizes client delivery and maintaining industry expertise. Senior leaders are generally visible and accessible during major initiatives. Expectations are clear, and there is a push to align work with measurable client outcomes. Communication from the top can be direct, and the company publishes priorities that guide teams. Decision-making is often pragmatic and driven by business needs, which can be reassuring for employees who like straightforward leadership.
Managers vary by practice and geography. Many are praised for mentorship, willingness to sponsor trainings, and for facilitating promotions when people are ready. Some managers are described as highly tactical and hands-on; others focus on client relationships and delegate day-to-day tasks. If you join, your experience will depend heavily on your direct manager; it will help to ask about management style during interviews.
There is a strong emphasis on learning. Formal onboarding, access to internal training modules, and support for external certifications are common. You will learn on the job through varied projects, which accelerates skill acquisition. The firm invests in subject-matter expertise, and subject tracks often provide clear curricular paths for consultants who want to deepen technical or industry knowledge.
Promotion paths are structured and linked to billable delivery, leadership potential, and client impact. Advancement is possible if you consistently perform and demonstrate leadership. Timelines can be predictable, but competition is real; promotions reward visible client results and people skills. Clear milestones are usually communicated, so high performers will know what is required.
Salaries vary by role, location, and experience. Typical ranges are: entry-level analysts in the lower band, consultants in the mid-range, senior consultants and managers above that, with senior managers and directors at the top. Compensation is competitive for the consulting market in most regions. Exact numbers will depend on local market adjustments and individual negotiations.
Bonuses are tied to performance, utilization, and sometimes to team or practice profitability. There is often a year-end bonus and occasional spot bonuses for exceptional contributions. Referral bonuses and client-originated incentives are part of the rewards mix. The variable component is meaningful but will not replace base salary expectations for long-term planning.
Health benefits are comprehensive and include medical, dental, and vision in most markets. There is usually access to mental health resources and employee assistance programs. Retirement plans with employer matching are commonly offered. Benefits packages are designed to be competitive and to support employees and their families.
Teams host regular check-ins, brown-bag learning sessions, and informal social events. Practice groups often run offsites and networking mixers that blend skill-building with relationship time. There are also volunteering opportunities and community outreach efforts that employees value. Engagement is reasonably high, particularly among those who take part in cross-practice events.
Remote work support includes collaboration tools, remote onboarding processes, and ergonomics guidance. Some roles are hybrid or fully remote depending on client needs. The company provides hardware and software standards and often supports remote connectivity and virtual team-building. Remote-first workers will find the tooling mature, though occasional travel remains common.
Typical working hours are predictable during routine workstreams, with a range that often sits between 40 and 55 hours per week. During critical client deadlines or busy season, hours can spike considerably. Time management skills and clear prioritization are essential to manage workload sustainably.
Attrition is moderate and reflects the consulting industry norm. Some turnover occurs as people move to industry or other firms after gaining experience. Periodic restructuring aligns staffing with client demand, which sometimes results in adjustments. Overall, turnover does not appear unusually high, and the firm tends to reassign staff to new projects when possible.
On balance, the company is a solid place to build consulting skills and industry expertise. It offers strong learning opportunities, competitive benefits, and a collaborative culture. You will face busy periods and travel expectations, but you will also gain rapid professional growth and visible client impact. Overall rating: 3.8 out of 5. This reflects good development opportunities and solid benefits, offset by the typical consulting trade-offs in hours and variability.
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