I’m Sara O’Connor, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Management Consultant. I am an advocate for process management having operational experience in process identification, analysis and process improvement. This includes both line and project management roles in re-engineering company operating processes and managing large capital projects. During my time in the water sector I implemented
the process management of the metering function for a large UK-based water company. In doing so we reduced water meter installation time by two-thirds, halved the installation unit cost and reduced unsolicited customer contacts by 30 per cent. My 60 departmental staff all fully understood their role in the metering process and were positively engaged and committed to keeping processing time down and quality of service high. Implementing process management was one of my most fulfilling managerial experiences. Outside of lean six sigma and process management I also have 15 years commercial experience in the utility environment gained in the United Kingdom and in Western Australia. My experience spans both sides of the regulatory divide as I have assisted regulators to develop their regulatory economic theories and approaches and also worked with service providers to apply these regulatory requirements in practical, operational situations.
