Six Sigma Jobs: Where Are They?

Although Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods originated in manufacturing plants, Six Sigma has long since moved out of the factory.  More and more, service providers, even government agencies are discovering that Six Sigma can also deliver benefits to them.  And it's not just big corporations who stand to gain.  More and more small companies have benefited as well, whether they have staff members who are Six Sigma Belts, or they hire Six Sigma consultants.  So if you are looking for training that will open up career opportunities, you can really can't go wrong with Six Sigma.

There are Six Sigma jobs at both junior and senior levels.  "Junior" is a relative term, here.  Typically, a person who is selected for Six Sigma training has demonstrated at least some experience in management and leading change.

At the more junior level, then, we find Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts.  These trained personnel will carry out project work for their employers or clients.  This will probably involve leading cross-functional teams of other employees who are not Six Sigma certified.  Green Belts and Black Belts may work on their own, in self-directed teams, or under the guidance of a Master Black Belt. 

A Master Black Belt is usually fairly high up in the organization, and necessarily has demonstrated exceptional mastery of Six Sigma tools and techniques.  The Master Black Belt will oversee the Six Sigma program for his or her organization.  While the Master Black Belt is probably no longer directly involved in project management, he or she is responsible for leading teams of Green Belts and Black Belts to carry out their projects, selecting candidates for Six Sigma training, and providing expert advice and guidance to his or her team. 

Although some of these jobs may contain "Six Sigma" or "Lean Six Sigma" in their titles -- such as Six Sigma Consultant, Six Sigma Green Belt, Six Sigma Project Manager -- others will not.  Other jobs whose personnel could benefit from Six Sigma training and certification could include:  Business Process Manager, Project Lead, or Lead Analyst.  Whether the position is advertised as requiring Six Sigma certification or not, having it on your resume can only help. 

In short, if you are a certified Six Sigma Belt and you are looking for a new job, don't think you need to limit your search to large manufacturing corporations.  Literally any employer, from the local dentist to the state government, can benefit from your skills.  All you have to do is show them how.