A lean consultant is a professional who specializes in helping organizations improve their operations and increase efficiency using lean methodology. Lean methodology is a systematic approach to process improvement that focuses on reducing waste and increasing value for customers.

Lean consultants work with businesses and organizations of all sizes, across various industries, to identify areas of waste in their processes and implement strategies to eliminate them. They use a variety of tools and techniques, such as value stream mapping, 5S, and Kaizen events, to help organizations streamline their operations and reduce costs.

Some of the key responsibilities of a lean consultant include:

Conducting assessments: Lean consultants conduct assessments of an organization's processes to identify areas of waste and inefficiency.

Developing improvement plans: Based on the assessment, the consultant develops a plan for process improvement that outlines specific strategies and tactics to reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Implementing improvements: The consultant works with the organization to implement the improvement plan, providing guidance and support throughout the process.

Training and coaching: Lean consultants also provide training and coaching to employees on lean methodology, so they can continue to identify and eliminate waste in their work processes.

Measuring success: Finally, the consultant measures the success of the improvement efforts, tracking metrics such as cycle time, quality, and customer satisfaction.

To become a lean consultant, one typically needs to have a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as engineering or business, and several years of experience in lean methodology and process improvement. Certification from organizations such as the Lean Enterprise Institute or the American Society for Quality can also be beneficial.