Excel & Automation Consultant (34595)

Excel & Automation Solutions Consultant – Operational Excellence

Overview The Operational Excellence team is seeking an experienced Excel and automation specialist to support the design, development, and sustainment of analytical and operational tools. The team is composed of highly skilled Industrial Engineers who excel in process analysis, data interpretation, and solution design, but who require dedicated technical expertise to build scalable, maintainable tools.

This role focuses on accelerating tool development, improving usability and maintainability, and advising on when Excel is no longer the appropriate long‑term platform. The consultant will act as a trusted technical partner, enabling Industrial Engineers to focus on core analytical and business‑facing responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities Tool Development & Enhancement

Translate business and analytical requirements into structured, maintainable tools.

Design, build, and enhance Excel‑based tools using:

Advanced formulas

VBA (where appropriate and justified)

Power Query and Power Pivot

Microsoft 365 automation tools such as Power Automate or Power Apps

Create intuitive, user‑friendly interfaces including dashboards, forms, and error‑proof input structures.

Ensure tools are designed for long‑term sustainability and usability by non‑technical users.

Fully document tools to support maintenance and knowledge transfer.

Technology Assessment & Recommendations

Evaluate when Excel is sufficient and when alternative technologies are more appropriate.

Recommend solutions such as Power Apps, low‑code platforms, SharePoint lists, lightweight web tools, or custom ETL where applicable.

Base recommendations on:

Maintainability

Total cost of ownership

Expected lifespan of the tool

User base size and complexity

Advisory & Coaching

Serve as a go‑to technical advisor for Industrial Engineers during tool design.

Provide guidance on best practices and maintainability thresholds.

Help engineers recognize when requirements exceed Excel’s practical capabilities.

Propose and establish design standards, templates, and frameworks for future tool development.

Recommend an approach for long‑term support and ownership of tools within the organization.

Maintenance & Ongoing Support

Troubleshoot issues identified after tools are deployed.

Implement small enhancements or refinements based on user feedback.

Transfer knowledge to designated internal owners to ensure continuity.

Initial Priority Tool Areas The Consultant Will Initially Support Tools Such As

Batching Analysis Tool : An Excel‑based planning tool converting annual collection plans into production plans, identifying capacity and scheduling gaps. Requires structural improvements, enhanced UI, error‑proofing, and expansion to additional production types.

Time‑Study Database : A centralized repository for national time‑study data, requiring improved data structure, reporting capability, and a modern user interface potentially beyond Excel.

Storage Space Calculator : A tool to model site storage capacities and highlight utilization improvements, requiring clearer messaging, improved UI, and assessment of backend data capture and maintenance.

Additional tools may be added as business needs evolve.

Deliverables

Fully functional, documented tools ready for production use.

Architecture and technology recommendations outlining Excel versus alternative solutions.

Documentation packages including:

User guides

Technical explanations of logic, formulas, and automation

Maintenance instructions

Design standards and templates for future tool development.

Monthly summary reports detailing work completed, issues addressed, and improvement recommendations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Proven expertise in advanced Excel, VBA, and data automation.

Experience developing tools for non‑technical end users.

Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Power Platform technologies.

Ability to translate business needs into clear technical solutions.

Demonstrated experience documenting tools for long‑term maintainability.

Experience supporting Industrial Engineering or Operational Excellence teams is preferred.

Engagement Details

Duration: Initial 3–6 month engagement with option to extend.

Time Commitment: Approximately 10–20 hours per week, flexible based on demand.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or remote, with periodic on‑site meetings as required.

Collaboration: Close interaction with Industrial Engineers, business stakeholders, and end users.

Success Measures

Reduced time spent by engineers on Excel troubleshooting and tool development.

Faster delivery of functional tools to internal customers.

Stable, user‑friendly, and maintainable tools.

Improved satisfaction from internal stakeholders.

Clear guidance on when and how to move beyond Excel.

Adoption of consistent standards that improve tool quality.

Out of Scope

Large‑scale software development.

Full enterprise application rebuilds.

This role focuses on department‑level analytical and operational tooling.

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