Continuous Improvement Consultant

Location: East Lansing, MI (Hybrid – ~1 day/week onsite; additional visits as needed)

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Consultant will lead process-improvement initiatives across the Consumers Energy Large Business portfolio—including Prescriptive, Custom, and Midstream programs. This role focuses on aligning internal processes with client expectations, identifying operational inefficiencies, and driving measurable improvements. The ideal candidate is a self-directed problem solver with strong analytical ability, the confidence to influence stakeholders, and the curiosity to continuously refine how work gets done.

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate workflows across teams to identify inefficiencies, waste, and process gaps.
• Lead and support CI projects using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Facilitate discovery discussions with program managers to uncover improvement opportunities.
• Prepare and deliver clear presentations to internal stakeholders and client leadership.
• Analyze performance metrics and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Support alignment to Consumers Energy’s continuous-improvement expectations.
• Serve as a proactive internal consultant—able to identify issues even when not explicitly flagged by program staff.

Required Technical Skills – 7 years’ experience

• Experience with continuous improvement, process optimization, or operational excellence.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar structured improvement frameworks.
• Ability to perform root-cause analysis and apply structured problem solving approaches.
• Data-driven mindset with capability to track, measure, and report on process outcomes.
• Strong process-mapping skills (Visio, Miro, Lucidchart, or equivalents).

Preferred Technical Skills

• Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Experience working in utilities, energy efficiency, manufacturing, or other process-heavy industries.
• Experience with client-facing presentations to share progress and alignment.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency programs or utility operations (Prescriptive, Custom, Midstream).

Soft Skills – 7 years’ experience

• Self-starter who thrives with minimal direction and can independently scope and drive improvement work.
• Strong critical thinking, strategic mindset, and natural inclination toward continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to simplify complex concepts.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence without authority.
• Comfortable engaging directly with clients and senior leaders.
• Highly organized with strong follow through and ownership.

Work Environment

Hybrid: Expect weekly onsite presence in the East Lansing office (client days, collaboration days).

Occasional increased presence (e.g., end of year, special projects, or monthly in-person sessions).