Director, DBS Leader - Lean

Radiometer; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

paid time off

medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Leica Biosystems, a Danaher company, is seeking a Director, DBS Leader - Lean for our Richmond, IL site. You will champion the Lean Danaher Business System, partner with site leadership, and drive DBS-based improvements across safety, quality, delivery and cost.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 7+ years in operations/lean, with DBS tools mastery and travel about 25%. A master’s degree and DBS certification are a plus; we offer competitive benefits and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science or related field.
• 7+ years in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or continuous improvement.
• Experience implementing improvements in structured environments (DBS/Lean Six Sigma/TPS).
• Mastery of DBS Fundamentals; DBS Tool proficiency; certification preferred.
• Ability to partner with leaders, influence without authority, and drive KPI improvements.
• Travel ~25% domestically; some international travel.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DBS SME for the Richmond, IL site and drive Kaizen results.
• Lead DBS activities to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and improve processes with DBS Fundamentals across functions.
• Create and steer Kaizen funnels and practitioner plans to close KPI gaps.
• Train and mentor leaders and teams in DBS practices.

Skills

Lean DBS Tools

Stakeholder influence

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science

Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Science (nice to have)

Tools

DBS Fundamentals

Danaher Reliability System

Supply Chain DBS Tools

Materials System

Job description

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 all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life. At Leica Biosystems, we’re not just shaping the future of cancer diagnostics — we’re transforming lives. Our mission of "Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives" is the driving force behind everything we do. As a global leader with the most comprehensive portfolio spanning from biopsy to diagnosis, we empower clinicians with innovative, reliable solutions so they can give patients timely, accurate answers when they need them most. When you join Leica Biosystems, you’re not just taking a job; you’re becoming part of a passionate team that knows every moment matters when it comes to cancer. You’ll help develop diagnostic solutions that turn anxiety into answers, and aid the acceleration of next-generation, life-changing therapies. Surrounded by a diverse and collaborative global community, you’ll be inspired each day to stretch, grow, and make an impact. Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Director, DBS Leader - Lean is responsible for promoting and leading the successful implementation of Lean Danaher Business System (DBS) in Leica Biosystems’ Richmond, Illinois site. They will be a key business partner and sit on the local leadership team, who is results driven with a strong ability to drive effective use of DBS. This position reports to the Global Director of DBS Lean and is part of the global DBS Lean team; the associate will be located in Richmond, IL and will be an on-site role.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to: Serve as Lean Danaher Business System (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 or 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or combined experience in 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.
• It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in: 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 (approximated by overnight stays per week) Willingness to travel approximately 25% of the time; predominantly domestic with some international travel as needed.

Leica Biosystems, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range for this role is $180,000 to $200,000. 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.

• paid time off
• medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)

We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life. For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

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Danaher is a leading global life sciences, biotechnology, and diagnostics innovator, helping to solve many of the world’s most important health challenges, ultimately improving quality of life for billions of people today, while setting the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow. The Danaher ecosystem is made up of more than 15 businesses united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact. Please read our Applicant Data Privacy Notice carefully here.