What does a process improvement consultant do?
A process improvement consultant is responsible for evaluating the current operational processes, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategic techniques to improve procedures, increasing maximum productivity with a cost-reduction approach. Process improvement consultants analyze the project management policies of the department, facilitate process training for the employees, and search for business opportunities that would generate more resources for revenues and profits. They write progress update reports and discuss with management, as well as present data analysis findings from the company's market performance.
Process improvement consultant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real process improvement consultant resumes:
- Work with various team leads to organize and post documentation on SharePoint.
- Create cost analysis for ERP systems with potential to track and manage WIP inventory.
- Lead development and installation of the voice/data network for a national healthcare management company.
- Analyze and document procure to pay and order to cash processes in Visio.
- Implement SharePoint collaboration site collection for support of customer contracts.
- Conduct client workshops for problem analysis, process re-engineering, business architecture and create multi-year transformation roadmaps.
- Evaluate and test administrative system changes to provide ongoing support to existing applications and newly implement PeopleSoft and Hyperion Essbase applications.
- Create process workflows for operational activities of the plan, which include appeals and claims processing.
- Facilitate educational training of unit personnel using CPI principles and methodologies.
Process improvement consultant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Process Improvement Consultants are proficient in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and Healthcare. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Process Improvement Consultants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Lean Six Sigma, 14%
Lead Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project teams to improve complex cross departmental processes within PG&E.
- Project Management, 14%
Developed a Lean Champion certification course and educate business professionals who seek a career in continuous improvement project management and leadership.
- Healthcare, 12%
Lean healthcare consultant responsible for identifying and leading process improvement projects across the HealthEast Care System to drive operational efficiency.
- Six Sigma Training, 8%
Reduced waste by implementing Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma standards in manufacturing environment.
- Data Analysis, 8%
Apply statistical methods to provide data analysis and reporting support to customer divisions and their customers.
- Visio, 5%
Trained associates on advanced-level Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio skills.
Common skills that a process improvement consultant uses to do their job include "lean six sigma," "project management," and "healthcare." You can find details on the most important process improvement consultant responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a process improvement consultant to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what process improvement consultants do because "management analysts must be able to interpret information and use their findings to make proposals." Additionally, a process improvement consultant resume shows how process improvement consultants use analytical skills: "performed a statistical analysis and value stream mapping for a leave of absence team lean six sigma dmaic process improvement project. "
Interpersonal skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling process improvement consultant duties is interpersonal skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "management analysts work with managers and other employees of the organizations for which they provide consulting services." According to a process improvement consultant resume, here's how process improvement consultants can utilize interpersonal skills in their job responsibilities: "maximize the organization's sharepoint capabilities through hands on coaching and training exercises utilizing strong written and interpersonal communication skills. "
Communication skills. process improvement consultants are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to process improvement consultant responsibilities, because "management analysts must be able to convey information clearly in both writing and speaking." A process improvement consultant resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "developed process map for communications department for the new 'to be' model to reduce tier-1 service requests by 60%. "
Time-management skills. For certain process improvement consultant responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "time-management skills." The day-to-day duties of a process improvement consultant rely on this skill, as "management analysts often work under tight deadlines and must use their time efficiently to complete projects on schedule." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what process improvement consultants do: "created risk management and contingency plans for stories that were not meeting deadlines or acceptance criteria. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for process improvement consultant responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of process improvement consultants all the time, as "management analysts must be able to think creatively to solve clients’ problems." An excerpt from a real process improvement consultant resume shows how this skill is central to what a process improvement consultant does: "used value stream mapping to identify non-value added operations and select video conferencing as a solution. "
The three companies that hire the most process improvement consultants are:
- Change Healthcare48 process improvement consultants jobs
- PNC12 process improvement consultants jobs
- The PNC Financial Services Group10 process improvement consultants jobs
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Process improvement consultant vs. Process analyst
A process analyst is also known as an operations research analyst, who evaluates in detail the steps in producing products and making important decisions as well as providing recommendations on how to enhance them. They are IT specialists that analyze the business process and workflows to determine how they can be computerized and improved. Responsibilities include identifying problems and risks as well as engaging in problem resolution. Important skills to consider for applicants include being innovative thinkers and goal-oriented.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between process improvement consultants and process analyst. For instance, process improvement consultant responsibilities require skills such as "healthcare," "six sigma training," "lean sigma," and "business objectives." Whereas a process analyst is skilled in "customer service," "sigma," "business processes," and "operational procedures." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Process analysts earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $93,338. On the other hand, process improvement consultants are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,307.On average, process analysts reach lower levels of education than process improvement consultants. Process analysts are 5.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Process improvement consultant vs. Consultant
Consultants are individuals who were tapped by a company or an organization to work on a specific activity, depending on their field of expertise. They act as guides for the organization in undertaking projects that are related to their field. Consultants would usually assist organizations in planning, often giving advice when the need arises. They would, at times, take the lead in activities that involve data gathering and interpretation of data gathering results so that they can provide solid recommendations on actions that the organization may undertake. They may also guide the organization in implementing any changes brought about by their consultancy and in evaluating the effectiveness of the changes.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that process improvement consultant responsibilities requires skills like "lean six sigma," "healthcare," "six sigma training," and "lean sigma." But a consultant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "strong analytical," "c++," and "c #."
Consultants earn a lower average salary than process improvement consultants. But consultants earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $85,405. Additionally, process improvement consultants earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $86,307 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Consultants tend to reach similar levels of education than process improvement consultants. In fact, they're 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for process improvement consultants in the next 3-5 years?
Angela Grotto Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Management, Manhattan College
- Data visualization to communicate the results of data analysis with an audience that may not be proficient in analytics; learn to use fewer words and equations and more eye-catching visual displays to tell a story about your analysis results.
- Automated technology to make jobs more comfortable and more efficient and increase productivity; this technology may replace specific jobs but also creates opportunities for new employment; so develop the necessary skill sets that will be in high demand but in low supply, such as coding, to make yourself more marketable, even if this skill is unrelated to your degree.
- Artificial technology and machine learning make business and HR decisions and plans (e.g., forecasting trends, allocating funds, product placement, who to hire).
Process improvement consultant vs. Healthcare consultant
Utilizing their expertise in the healthcare industry, a healthcare consultant specializes in conducting extensive research and analysis to devise strategies for optimal workplace operations. They typically coordinate with different departments to gather data, identify strengths and weaknesses in existing systems, develop plans to improve particular areas, propose budgets and business plans, and recommend measures to optimize processes. Moreover, a healthcare consultant must produce progress reports and presentations to clients, advise alternatives, and implement new and existing policies and regulations.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, process improvement consultants are more likely to have skills like "lean six sigma," "healthcare," "six sigma training," and "lean sigma." But a healthcare consultant is more likely to have skills like "cycle management," "strategic thinking," "business processes," and "revenue cycle."
Healthcare consultants earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $85,348. Comparatively, process improvement consultants have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,307.Most healthcare consultants achieve a similar degree level compared to process improvement consultants. For example, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Process improvement consultant vs. Solutions consultant
A solutions consultant is an individual who has an in-depth knowledge of technology that can help a company to overcome issues, increase sales, and have a better connection with their customers. Solutions consultants are responsible for heading the installment of customized software solutions and train dealers and customer sales engineers to administer the customized solution. They represent the company by attending tradeshows and events to demonstrate their company's technology. Solutions consultants must also ensure to demonstrate technical feasibility through beta tests plus trial programs.
Types of process improvement consultant
Updated January 8, 2025
