Project Manager, R&D

Zvh; Town of Deerfield (WI); On-site; USD 128,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

ESPP

401(k)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Educational assistance

Paid holidays

PTO 20–35 days

Parental leave

Commuting benefits

Employee discount

EAP

Childcare benefits

Job summary

Baxter is seeking a senior Project Manager to drive strategic, high-impact programs across engineering, manufacturing and quality. You will lead cross-functional teams from concept through launch, aligning objectives, requirements and priorities to deliver results on time and within budget.

The role demands a regulated-industry background, strong execution, and excellent communication with senior leaders. Expect a competitive compensation package and a flexible, on-site work arrangement to

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 in regulated industries (medical device, pharma, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing).
• Proven ability to influence, drive execution, and deliver across diverse teams.
• Strong business acumen, financial management, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-impact programs and cross-functional teams from concept to launch.
• Align business objectives with technical requirements and operational priorities.
• Develop and execute plans to deliver on time and within budget.
• Drive data-informed decisions through financial analysis, market insights, and investments.
• Identify risks early and mitigate to protect project outcomes.
• Partner with senior leaders to secure alignment and accelerate execution.
• Guide teams through product lifecycle management and stage-gate milestones.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion operational excellence and process improvements.
• Ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and customer impact of launches.

Skills

Engineering leadership

PM leadership

Regulated environments

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Strategy & planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Master's preferred

Job description

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 than the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.

Benefits

• Medical and dental coverage that start on day one
• Basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance coverage
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) with options for employee contributions and company matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Educational assistance programs
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service
• Family and medical leaves of absence
• Paid parental leave
• Commuting benefits
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Childcare benefits

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

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally.

Reasonable Accommodations

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.

No matter your role at Baxter, your talent, skills, and time has a direct impact on people's lives. Since 1931, we have been at the forefront of innovation by bringing smarter, more personalized care to patients around the world. Now, we're more determined than ever to make a lasting impact as we are redefining healthcare delivery across the care journey. Our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives motivates us as we create a culture in which each of us can succeed. This is where you belong.