A process coordinator is someone who is responsible for a specific aspect of a business process. He or she coordinates activities and shares information with everyone in the workflow. This is an administrative position that is commonly found in information technology, construction and project management companies.
The skills required for this position include advanced computer skills, excellent written and oral communication and good decision-making skills. Process coordinators are in the middle of the workflow, deciding what information to share and when. This has a huge impact on productivity, overall effectiveness and the costs associated with a particular process.
Many companies create process coordinator positions as a short-term way of addressing fundamental problems with the total process. For example, a manufacturing process has a recurring bottleneck between the finishing process and packaging. The coordinator studies the entire workflow and can make modifications to the timing further up the process, in order to remove or reduce the bottleneck.
The training required to become a process coordinator varies by industry. Most employers require some post-secondary training. Candidates with a degree or diploma in a technology-related field or in business administration are well-suited for this position. Both of these programs focus on developing analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The primary responsibility of process coordinators is to solve problems and improve overall productivity. Critical-thinking skills can be very important in removing barriers to productivity and spotting issues with the current process. It is not uncommon for a person with this job to sit and observe a specific process for an extended period of time. This gathering of information is essential to identifying the causes of a current problem, as well as potential future issues.
People who enjoy puzzles and solving problems and who can work at both detailed and summary levels will experience the most success as process coordinators. They are expected to be aware of all issues in a process and have a range of options that can be used to solve the problem. Anyone who does not enjoy a challenge and does not enjoy analysis is not going to enjoy working in this role.
The best way for someone to learn about the role of a process coordinator in an organization or industry is to talk with someone who currently is in that role. Observing a process coordinator at work will help someone learn about the position's hidden challenges and rewards. For example, many large companies allows individual departments to function as separate entities.