Project Manager, R&D

Baxter International Inc.; Deerfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible workplace policy

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking a strategic Project Manager to lead complex, cross-functional programs across Advanced Surgery.

You will align business objectives with technical and regulatory requirements, driving on-time launches and measurable outcomes in a highly regulated healthcare setting. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in engineering-led PM roles or 6+ with a Master’s, plus 5+ years managing multi-site initiatives within regulated industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 8+ years of related experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience leading complex, multi-site initiatives.
• Experience within regulated industries, preferably medical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing.
• PMP, PMI, IPMA, or equivalent project management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic, cross-functional projects that support business growth, product development, and operational excellence.
• Build alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, regulatory, and commercial teams.
• Develop and execute project plans that deliver results on time, within budget, and in accordance with business objectives.
• Drive data-informed decision making through financial analysis, resource planning, market insights, and investment evaluations.
• Identify risks early, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address challenges before they impact project success.
• Partner with senior leaders and key stakeholders to influence decisions, secure alignment, and accelerate execution.
• Guide teams through product lifecycle management processes and key stage-gate milestones.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure successful project launches while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance, and customer impact.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Regulatory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree

Job description

Your Role at Baxter

This is where your 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

Drive Innovation. Deliver Impact. Improve Lives.

At Baxter, project management is more than coordinating timelines and budgets. It's about turning ideas into solutions that help healthcare providers and patients around the world. We're looking for a strategic leader who thrives in complex environments, embraces challenges, and brings people together to achieve ambitious goals.

In this role, you'll be at the center of critical initiatives that shape the future of our Advanced Surgery business. You'll navigate uncertainty, remove obstacles, and transform opportunities into measurable results. Whether you're launching a new product, optimizing manufacturing operations, or leading a business-critical program, your work will directly contribute to our mission of saving and sustaining lives.

What You'll Do

As a Project Manager, you will serve as the driving force behind complex, high-impact programs, leading cross-functional teams from concept through execution and launch. You'll align business objectives, technical requirements, and operational priorities to ensure successful outcomes.

• Lead strategic, cross-functional projects that support business growth, product development, and operational excellence.
• Build alignment across engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, finance, regulatory, and commercial teams.
• Develop and execute project plans that deliver results on time, within budget, and in accordance with business objectives.
• Drive data-informed decision making through financial analysis, resource planning, market insights, and investment evaluations.
• Identify risks early, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address challenges before they impact project success.
• Partner with senior leaders and key stakeholders to influence decisions, secure alignment, and accelerate execution.
• Guide teams through product lifecycle management processes and key stage-gate milestones.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Champion operational excellence by identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure successful project launches while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance, and customer impact.

What You'll Bring

We're seeking a confident leader who combines strategic thinking with strong execution skills and thrives in a dynamic, regulated environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 8+ years of related experience, or Master's degree with 6+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience leading complex, multi-site initiatives.
• Experience within regulated industries, preferably medical device, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, drive execution, and deliver results across diverse teams.
• Strong business acumen, financial management, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated success managing competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
• PMP, PMI, IPMA, or equivalent project management certification preferred.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Baxter is committed to supporting the needs for flexibility in the workplace. We do so through our flexible workplace policy which includes a required minimum number of days a week onsite. This policy provides the benefits of connecting and collaborating in-person in support of our Mission. The flexible workplace policy is subject to local laws and legal requirements.At its discretion, Baxter may decide to adjust, suspend, or discontinue as business needs change.

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 $128,000 to $176,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

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.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

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.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice.