Project Manager, R&D,

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

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking a strategic Project Manager to drive complex, high-impact programs across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain.

You will lead cross-functional teams from concept through launch, aligning objectives with technical and regulatory requirements. Requirements include 8+ years in PM (5+ in multi-site initiatives), experience in regulated industries, and PMI/PMP or equivalent certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Master's degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of project management experience; 5+ years leading multi-site initiatives.
• Experience in regulated industries (medical device/pharma/l life sciences) preferred.
• PMP, PMI, IPMA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-impact programs across cross-functional teams from concept to launch.
• Align business objectives with technical requirements and operational priorities.
• Develop and execute project plans to deliver on time, on budget, and within scope.
• Drive data-informed decisions through financial analysis and market insights.
• Identify risks early; develop mitigation strategies and address challenges proactively.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to influence decisions and accelerate execution.
• Guide teams through product lifecycle management and stage-gate milestones.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion operational excellence by streamlining processes and enhancing effectiveness.
• Ensure launches meet quality, regulatory, and customer impact standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial analysis

Regulatory awareness

Decision making

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Problem solving

Certification awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering/related field

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.

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.

You Will

• 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 than of the anticipated range 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. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

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. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

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, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.