Process Improvement Consultant

Independent Contractor | $65–$90 per hour | Southeast or Mid-Atlantic US | Approximately 50% travel

About the Role

Spinnaker International is seeking a Process Improvement Consultant to support a multiyear improvement program for a large manufacturing organization. Working closely with a Senior Consultant serving as the Engagement Lead, you will help assess current processes, analyze data, identify improvement opportunities, and support implementation across multiple locations.

This is a hands-on role for someone with strong analytical skills, practical process improvement experience, and the ability to turn information into clear recommendations. You should be comfortable working with employees at different levels, organizing information, and developing useful Excel models and presentations.

The Engagement Lead will provide direction and oversight. You will contribute to each phase of the program while taking ownership of assigned analyses, deliverables, and project activities.

The Engagement

The client operates multiple manufacturing plants across several states. The program will simplify processes, reduce duplication, improve supporting tools and documentation, and help locations adopt more consistent ways of working.

The program follows the Spinnaker method: Measure, Design, Implement, Confirm. Work begins with plant visits and analysis to understand current operations, followed by process design, implementation, and confirmation of results.

What You Will Do

Measure — Understand Current Processes

– Support plant assessments through site visits, employee interviews, process observation, and document review.

– Gather and organize data related to workflows, costs, performance, procedures, and supporting systems.

– Build Excel analyses and baseline models to identify inefficiencies, duplication, and improvement opportunities.

– Document findings and help prepare recommendations and presentations.

Design — Develop Practical Improvements

– Help map current processes and develop future-state workflows.

– Support the creation and revision of procedures, work instructions, and other process documentation.

– Contribute to recommendations for reporting, governance, supporting technology, and employee training.

– Work with the Engagement Lead and client teams to develop practical implementation plans.

Implement and Confirm — Support Adoption and Track Results

– Support pilot activities and implementation across multiple locations.

– Assist with training, communication, onboarding, and change management.

– Track action items, project milestones, and results against the baseline.

– Help transition improved processes to client owners and document sustained results.

– Prepare presentations, working papers, and project updates with guidance from the Engagement Lead.

– Use AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude to assist with analysis, drafting, and organizing information, reviewing outputs for accuracy.

Qualifications

– Experience in process improvement, business analysis, operations, project coordination, consulting, or a related field.

– Familiarity with process mapping, root cause analysis, Lean, Six Sigma, or similar improvement methods. Certification is not required.

– Ability to organize information from spreadsheets, documents, interviews, and observations into clear findings and recommendations.

– Working proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, including data analysis and presentation development.

– Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort working with frontline employees, managers, and leadership.

– Ability to manage assigned tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently with guidance from the Engagement Lead.

– Willingness to learn and use AI tools as part of daily work while checking their accuracy.

– Willingness to travel approximately 50% of working weeks, typically for two-to-three-day site visits.