Independent manufacturing efficiency consultant

Small and mid-sized manufacturers, food producers, fabricators and industrial suppliers that want to improve output or cut costs.

Day rate or fixed fee for a site assessment, plus follow-on project work or monthly retainers to help put changes in place.

• Hands-on experience in manufacturing or operations
• Analysing processes and numbers
• Clear communication with managers and floor staff

• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance, since clients may ask for proof before signing
• Site safety inductions and any required PPE when working in factories, check each client's rules
• GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold
• Uneven income early on, as projects can take months to land
• Confidentiality, so consider written agreements about client information

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, software, travel to client sites and how much you spend on marketing and a simple website.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many projects you win and your rates. Income can be uneven early on, as projects can take months to land.

Check professional indemnity and public liability insurance, as clients may ask for proof before signing. Also check each client's site safety inductions and PPE rules, confidentiality agreements, and GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold.