Associate Director, Enterprise Improvement & Kaizen

Baxter International; Deerfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Baxter is seeking an Associate Director, Baxter GPS Operational Excellence to lead enterprise-level improvement projects across business units and corporate functions. The role requires deep Lean Six Sigma experience, Kaizen expertise, and the ability to coach leaders and teams.

Based in Deerfield, IL with a hybrid work model and up to 50% travel to Baxter sites, you will drive value-stream improvements, develop business cases, and ensure sustained performance across the organization.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant experience in enterprise improvement
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, supply chain, or related field
• Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen events and end-to-end value-stream simplification projects
• Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, root cause analysis, and process mapping
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead teams without direct authority
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Flexibility to travel up to 50%

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact projects and Kaizen events across units and functions.
• Map and improve end-to-end value streams spanning multiple functions.
• Analyze data to identify root causes, variation, waste, and opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, value-stream mapping, and problem-solving sessions.
• Develop business cases, project charters, and implementation plans; validate results with Finance.
• Align sponsors and drive decisions across business units and functions.

Skills

15+ years experience

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Bachelor’s degree (engineering, ops, N

Kaizen events leadership

Statistical analysis

Influence stakeholders

Clear communication

Willingness to travel 50%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, supply chain, or related

Job description

Baxter is seeking an Associate Director, Baxter GPS Operational Excellence to lead enterprise-level improvement projects across business units and corporate functions. The role requires deep Lean Six Sigma experience, Kaizen expertise, and the ability to coach leaders and teams.

Based in Deerfield, IL with a hybrid work model and up to 50% travel to Baxter sites, you will drive value-stream improvements, develop business cases, and ensure sustained performance across the organization.