Six Sigma Belts System

The belt-based role structure is a key feature of Six Sigma’s organizational implementation. It creates a clear hierarchy and career path for quality improvement professionals. At the top are Champions or Sponsors, typically senior managers who select projects and remove organizational barriers. Master Black Belts are in-house experts, acting as coaches, mentors, and trainers for lower-level belts. They ensure the consistent application of Six Sigma across the organization. Black Belts are the primary project leaders, dedicated full-time to executing complex, cross-functional Six Sigma projects. They require deep statistical knowledge and project management skills. Green Belts are employees who have received Six Sigma training but apply it on a part-time basis to projects within their own functional area. Yellow Belts receive basic Six Sigma awareness training and often serve as subject matter experts on project teams. This structured system ensures that expertise is available at all levels and that the methodology is deeply embedded within the company’s culture, rather than being a peripheral activity.