Working Life

• Plan, implement, monitor and control Lean and 6Sigma activities at both operational and strategic levels in an organisational setting

• Present a professional Lean and/or 6Sigma plan to peers with the potential to achieve a significant improvement within their chosen project organisation or field

• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of processes in an organisation

• Introduce new manufacturing/service/production/development methodologies and technologies to support and optimise product development

• Develop manufacturing/services/production/development processes from conception to full scale production/service delivery, ensuring a smooth transfer from design to production

• Lead teams through problem solving or process improvement initiatives

• Train or mentor others in quality problem solving techniques.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assign duties or responsibilities to project personnel.
• Communicate with key stakeholders to determine project requirements and objectives.
• Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
• Create project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
• Develop or update project plans including information such as objectives, technologies, schedules, funding, and staffing.
• Identify project needs such as resources, staff, or finances by reviewing project objectives and schedules.
• Identify, review, or select vendors or consultants to meet project needs.
• Monitor costs incurred by project staff to identify budget issues.
• Monitor project milestones and deliverables.
• Monitor the performance of project team members to provide performance feedback.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Pathways into a career using Lean Sigma manager can be developed across FET further education & training.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: supervisory, business management, quality management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: supervisory, business management, quality management.

Search for PLC Courses

Supervisory, business management & quality management courses may provide the foundation for progressing towards this career, at higher levels along the NFQ.

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lean Sigma Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Entry requirements: Lean Sigma Manager NFQ level 9 Apprenticeship

1. Your employer must support your application.
2. Minimum requirements for a Lean Sigma Manager Apprenticeship would typically be a 2.2 honours degree in a relevant area and related disciplines.
3. Applicants who have completed a level 8 apprenticeship in a cognate field are also eligible to apply.
4. This apprenticeship facilitates recognition of prior learning (RPL) and would recognise candidates with a lower qualifications provided they have considerable industrial experience, and evidence of the ability to study at Masters level.
5. Applicants also need to meet the University of Limerick English language requirements.

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: management, quality.

Search for CAO Courses

Courses in management & quality further develop management skills towards this blended sigma management masters program.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €110k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, session or project rate, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
CPL/ Lincoln/ Collins McNicolas/ Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants; Business analysts; Business and financial project management professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The five-year annual average growth for this occupation was strong; this is in part related to changes in the LFS methodology in 2017, although employment levels have also been increasing annually since then. Over 700 new employment permits were issued in 2021 for roles including risk/business analysts and project managers.

The ICT sector accounted for over a third of permits issued, although the numbers employed in this occupation in the ICT sector are small. The number of advertised vacancies in the OVATE data increased by 39%, albeit from a small base. While no shortages are evident, the skills in demand as highlighted by the Spotlight on Skills data in the introduction above (e.g. relationship management, critical thinking etc) would be of relevance for these occupations.

• Irish centre for Business excellence

  • 2nd Floor Park House, Arthurs Quay Limerick, V94HW44
  • 061 423 622
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here