Danaher Business System Leader, Lean

Leica Biosystems; Richmond (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Job summary

Leica Biosystems is looking for a DBS Leader, Lean at their Richmond, Illinois site. This role involves leading Lean DBS initiatives to promote operational excellence, partnering strategically with business leaders, and mentoring teams in Kaizen practices.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and over 4 years of relevant experience, demonstrating a proven ability to implement continuous improvement methodologies. The position offers a competitive salary range of $125,000 to $150,000 per year along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or a related continuous improvement role.
• Hands-on experience implementing improvements in a structured continuous improvement environment.
• Ability to deliver measurable improvements tied to business metrics.

Responsibilities

• Drive sustained operational improvements and Kaizen results through facilitation of DBS activities.
• Develop and continuously improve processes within operations at the Richmond site.
• Facilitate and lead Problem Solving Process teams in everyday problem solving.

Skills

Lean tools

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field

Master’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or Science (preferred)

Tools

DBS Fundamentals

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

DBS Leader, Lean

Bring more to life. Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology? At Leica Biosystems, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

As the DBS Leader, Lean, you will promote and lead the successful implementation of Lean DBS in Leica Biosystems’ Richmond, Illinois site. You will be a key business partner, sit on the local leadership team, and drive effective use of DBS.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lean DBS Subject Matter Expert to our Richmond, Illinois manufacturing site; drive sustained operational improvements and Kaizen results that impact Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through facilitation of DBS activities and mentorship of Leaders, Associates, and Kaizen teams.
• Drive results across the dimensions of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost with the DBS Fundamentals and the DBS Tools within the Lean Segment. Leverage a solid understanding of DBS Fundamentals combined with Lean tools from four (4) different areas: Reliability, Operations, Supply Chain, and Materials.
• Develop and continuously improve processes within Operations at the Richmond, Illinois site as a member of the site leadership team.
• Create and lead prioritized Kaizen Funnel and Certified Practitioner plan to close KPI gaps with appropriate Visual & Daily Management and Leadership engagement. Improve DBS training and facilitation by pursuing certification in DBS tools for yourself and others.
• Facilitate and Lead PSP (Problem Solving Process) Teams in everyday Problem Solving. Install and facilitate Visual & Daily Management at Gemba across the Richmond, Illinois site.

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 4+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or a related continuous improvement role.
• Proven hands‑on experience implementing improvements within a structured continuous improvement environment (e.g., DBS, Lean Six Sigma, TPS) in line management or consulting settings.
• Practitioner‑level mastery of DBS Fundamentals with strong proficiency in Lean tools across operations and transactional processes; certification preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to partner strategically with business leaders, influence without authority, and deliver measurable, time‑bound improvements tied to business metrics.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s Degree in Business, Engineering, or Science.
• Knowledge of key DBS Lean Tools: Operations, Danaher Reliability System, Supply Chain, and the Danaher Materials System.
• Certified Practitioner in a minimum of one appropriate Lean DBS Tool.
• Experience managing people and/or projects.

Travel

• Willingness to travel approximately 25% of the time; predominantly domestic with some international travel as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range for this role is $125,000 to $150,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, this job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

EEO Statement

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The U.S. EEO posters are available here. We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact: 1-202-419-7762 or [e-mail].