A project leader, such as the chief engineer in the Toyota product development system. A Shusa is the central and ultimately responsible leader of a new development project, such as the design and production of a new car model at Toyota. This role is unique because the Shusa does not have a permanent team, but is responsible for coordinating all departments involved in the project, from engineering and production to sales and marketing.

The main characteristics of the Shusa role are:

• Integral responsibility: Shusa is responsible for the project from start to finish, from the initial concept phase to the final launch.
• Consensus and decision-making: The Shusa creates consensus among the various departments and makes the final decisions on the design and specifications of the product.
• In-depth knowledge: The Shusa must have a deep understanding of both technical and commercial aspects of the product to lead effectively.

This concept of a Shusa is fundamental to the Lean, as it ensures a strong focus on value creation, eliminating waste and successfully launching a product that meets customer requirements.

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