Director, Manufacturing Strategy

Baxter Healthcare; Deerfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits from day one

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off 20–35 days

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Baxter Healthcare is seeking a senior leader to ensure the global manufacturing network is positioned for competitive advantage, delivering long-term growth and profitability. You will guide strategy, capital planning, capacity assessment, and product introductions with cross-functional teams to optimize resources and drive efficiencies.

The role may be based at Baxter’s Deerfield, IL HQ or performed remotely from the US or Puerto Rico, with a minimum of 3 onsite days for Baxter locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in science, engineering or related discipline.
• Proven leadership experience across functions and levels.
• Deep understanding of plant operations, Lean and Operational Excellence.
• Knowledge of plant economics, costing and P&L implications.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing network strategy aligned with priorities.
• Oversee capital planning, investment prioritization and capital allocation.
• Lead long-range capacity planning and network optimization including insourcing/outsourcing decisions.
• Drive network transformation initiatives, plant rationalizations and efficiency programs.
• Incorporate risk, resiliency and strategic planning into network decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean principles

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Supply chain management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science/Engineering or related discipline

Job description

This is whereyour work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person - regardless of who they are or where they are from - deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the global manufacturing network is positioned to be a source of competitive advantage, capable of delivering long-term performance needed by the divisions. You'll facilitate the manufacturing strategic planning process and projects, including annual strategy review, in-depth review of key strategic issues and investment prioritization. You'll work with cross-functional teams to ensure the best use of organizational resources in defining and planning goals, objectives and programs to achieve the strategic plan and to achieve growth and profitability, including support of network optimization, localization, capacity assessment, insourcing opportunities, and New Product Introductions.

What you'll be doing

• Lead Business Manufacturing Network Strategy- own and evolve the end-to-end manufacturing network strategy aligned with the business priorities, ensuring delivery of long-term growth, performance and strategic objectives.
• Drive Capital Planning & Investment Prioritization- Oversee manufacturing investment strategy, including capital allocation, facility lifecycle planning, and cross-division trade-offs to ensure optimal deployment of resources.
• Enable Capacity Planning & Network Optimization -Lead long-range capacity planning, identify constraints, and implement strategies (including insourcing/outsourcing decisions) to support new product launches and ongoing business needs.
• Lead Strategic Initiatives & Network Transformation -Drive major network changes such as plant rationalizations, tariff mitigation, and large-scale transformation initiatives, while advancing breakthrough improvements in operating models.
• Embed Risk, Resiliency & Strategic Planning Integration -Ensure network strategies incorporate risk and resiliency planning, align with annual and long-range strategic planning processes, and support profit maintenance and continuous improvement efforts.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering or a related discipline, with 10+ years relevant business experience, including exposure to global medical device manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading teams with the ability to influence, develop talent, and drive alignment across functions and levels.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing plant operations, including Lean principles and Operational Excellence, with hands‑on or leadership experience in a plant environment.
• Strong grasp of plant economics, including costing, capital models, P&L management, broader business unit financials, capable of relating operations to financial outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, understand end-to-end supply chain interdependencies (planning, procurement, operations, fulfillment), and communicate effectively to drive decisions in a dynamic, competitive marketplace.

Your Location:

The role may be based at Baxter's global headquarters in Deerfield, IL, or may be performed remotely from within the United States or Puerto Rico. Baxter is committed to supporting flexibility in the workplace through our flexible workplace policy, which includes a minimum of 3 days per week onsite for employees based at a Baxter location. This approach provides the benefits of in-person connection and collaboration in support of our Mission. Relocation assistance is available for candidates choosing to relocate to the Deerfield area.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $168,000 - $231,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission, and/or long-term incentive.

#LI-KV1

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

1 Baxter Parkway|Deerfield, IL 60015|United States of America