How to Hire a Process Improvement Consultant
Bringing in a process improvement consultant can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you're trying to untangle inefficient workflows, upgrade systems, or just bring a fresh perspective to how things get done.
But how do you find the right person for the job? And how do you know if they’re a good fit?
Let’s walk through what to consider when hiring a process improvement consultant, what to ask in the interview, and where to actually find qualified experts.
Step 1: Get Clear on What You Need
Before you even open a job post or fire off a LinkedIn message, take a step back. What are you actually trying to fix or improve?
Ask yourself:
What specific challenges am I dealing with? (e.g. missed deadlines, clunky handoffs, high turnover)
Am I looking for someone to assess and make recommendations, or roll up their sleeves and help with implementation?
What goals do we want to hit with this project– faster timelines? Fewer errors? Smoother onboarding?
Getting clear on your objectives will not only help you hire the right person, but it’ll also help them hit the ground running.
Step 2: Look for the Right Experience (Not Just Certifications)
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or PMP can be helpful, but they’re not everything. Some consultants may bring years of hands-on experience in specific industries or platforms that are more relevant to your situation.
Consider:
Do they have experience in your industry (e.g. healthcare, tech, e-commerce)?
Have they worked with the same tools or systems your team uses?
Can they adapt their methods to a fast-paced startup vs. a more structured corporate setting?
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for case studies or examples of prior work.
Step 3: Know Where to Look
The good news? You’ve got options.
LinkedIn
Great for finding independent consultants or firms with niche expertise. Use filters like “process improvement consultant” + your industry or location. Look at mutual connections for referrals.
Upwork or Fiverr Pro
If you’re looking for project-based help or someone to come in short-term, freelancer platforms can be a great option. Look for verified reviews and completion rates.
Clarity.fm or GrowthMentor
For quick strategy calls or brainstorming sessions, these platforms let you connect with seasoned professionals by the hour.
Referrals
Ask fellow business owners or peers who they’ve worked with. A personal recommendation is often the best vetting tool.
Industry forums or communities
Slack groups, Reddit threads, or even Facebook groups for operations, project management, or startup support often have hidden gems.
Step 4: Interview Thoughtfully
Once you’ve got a shortlist, it’s time to start conversations. Treat interviews less like an interrogation and more like a working session– you're testing for alignment just as much as skill.
Here are some questions to get you started:
Can you walk me through a successful process improvement project you led? What were the biggest roadblocks, and how did you navigate them?
What’s your approach to evaluating and proposing process changes?
How do you handle pushback from team members or leadership? Change isn’t always easy, can they build buy-in?
How do you measure success? What KPIs or metrics do you track, and how often?
How do you make sure improvements stick around once you're gone? Look for an emphasis on sustainability and handoff planning.
How do you stay on top of new trends, tools, or methodologies? Bonus points if they geek out over nerdy ops stuff.
Final Tip: Don’t Let Overwhelm Slow You Down
If you're still not sure where to start or what type of consultant is right for you, it’s okay. The first step doesn’t have to be huge.
You can always schedule a free consultation with someone (hi 👋) to talk it through, sketch a rough plan, and get a feel for what this kind of support looks like in action.