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Director, DBS Leader - Lean

Danaher · Richmond, IL · $180,000–$200,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a lean transformation you led on a manufacturing floor. What changed?

What they are checking: Whether they have a proven record of delivering lean results on a real production floor.

Tell me about a time you developed someone into a strong lean practitioner.

What they are checking: Whether they are committed to building DBS capability in others so improvement does not depend on them.

What would you do

A site leader wants quick results but the problems are deep. How do you set expectations?

What they are checking: Honest communication with leaders about what lean can deliver and when.

Operators see lean as a way to cut jobs. How do you build trust?

What they are checking: Whether they can earn the trust of operators who fear lean is really a way to cut jobs.

About the work

How would you assess the lean maturity of the Richmond site in your first month?

What they are checking: Whether they have a structured way to understand where a site really stands.

How do you teach value stream mapping to a team that has never done it?

What they are checking: Whether they can teach core lean tools so that teams can use them without a lean expert present.

How do you set up standard work for operators in a regulated medical device setting?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how lean changes must fit within quality system rules in medical device manufacturing.

How do you sustain gains after a kaizen event?

What they are checking: Whether they build follow-up, daily management and accountability so that improvements last after the kaizen.

How do you choose which lean tools to use for a specific problem?

What they are checking: Judgment in matching tools to problems rather than applying everything.

How do you measure the success of a lean program at a site?

What they are checking: Whether they connect lean work to safety, quality, delivery and cost results.

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The full job description

As published by Danaher.

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. The essential requirements of the job include: • 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. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law. #LI-PJ1 Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. 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 . 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 . For candidates who are based outside of New York City or who are applying for roles outside of New York City, for more information about conditions of any job offer please click 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 applyassistance@danaher.com .

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