The Work

• 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.

Apprenticeship Route

The official entry route for a Lean Sigma Manager is through undertaking an apprenticeship.

Click here to find information on the Lean Sigma Manager apprenticeship

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

FEt Centre Traineeships or Post leaving cert in Supervisory, Business management & Quality Management NFQ level 5- 6 may provide the foundation for progresing towards this career, at higher levels along the NFQ 

Higher education CAO entry nfq level 8 courses in managementy & quality further develop management skillls towards this blended sigma management masters program 

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.

Last Updated: April, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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.

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