VP, IT - AI & Data Platforms

SwiftCruit; Deerfield (IL); On-site; USD 304,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxter is seeking a visionary Vice President, AI and Data to shape and execute the company’s enterprise AI and data strategy. You will lead a 250+ global team, own data platforms and governance, and partner with the CEO and Board to deliver measurable ROI across divisions.

This role demands deep experience in AI governance, data modernization, and regulated life-science environments. You will translate strategy into a multi-year roadmap, drive AI/ML & GenAI initiatives with modern MLOps, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 15–20 years of progressive experience across IT, data, analytics, and AI, including 10+ years in senior leadership roles leading global teams.
• Proven success defining and delivering enterprise AI and data strategies with measurable business impact.
• Deep experience across data platforms, analytics, AI/ML/GenAI, and AI governance.
• Experience operating in highly regulated environments (medtech, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or life sciences preferred).
• Strong track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top global talent.
• Leadership of large-scale data modernization and AI platforms.
• Executive-level partnership with CEO, Board, and Operating Committee on enterprise transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Define, own, and implement Baxter’s enterprise AI and data strategy aligned with IT, Digital, and Business priorities.
• Lead enterprise capabilities across data engineering and platforms, data integration, master data management, analytics, BI, and AI delivery.
• Translate strategy into a multi-year roadmap with clear business outcomes, investment priorities, and value realization.
• Drive AI and data science delivery across ML, advanced analytics, and Generative AI using modern MLOps and agile practices.
• Ensure data is trusted, governed, reusable, and AI-ready while championing ethical, responsible, and regulatory-compliant AI.
• Partner closely with senior leaders across Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, HR, Legal, and IT.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing, globally distributed AI and data organization.
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership and represent Baxter with external partners, technology providers, and the broader AI ecosystem.

Skills

AI governance

Data platforms

ML/GenAI

MLOps

Regulated environments

Leadership of global teams

Executive partnership

Talent development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field

Advanced degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) strongly preferred

Job description

Your Role

The Vice President, AI and Data is a senior executive leader within Baxter’s Global IT organization, accountable for shaping and executing the enterprise AI and data strategy. The leader establishes Baxter’s enterprise data foundation as a trusted, governed, and scalable asset and translates it into AI‑enabled capabilities that accelerate growth, operational excellence, and innovation across Baxter’s global businesses. The VP serves as a senior partner to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Operating Committee, and Board on AI and data matters.

Scope of Responsibility

• Global accountability across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM
• Leadership of a 250+ person global organization, including internal teams and strategic partners
• Ownership of enterprise AI and data platforms, products, and governance across all business divisions and corporate functions
• Responsibility for a multi‑year AI and data investment portfolio with shared accountability for measurable ROI
• Ongoing engagement with CIO, IT Senior Leadership Team, AI Governance, and enterprise executives

What you’ll be doing

• Define, own, and implement Baxter’s enterprise AI and data strategy aligned with IT, Digital, and Business priorities
• Lead enterprise capabilities across data engineering and platforms, data integration, master data management, analytics, BI, and AI delivery
• Translate strategy into a multi‑year roadmap with clear business outcomes, investment priorities, and value realization
• Drive AI and data science delivery across ML, advanced analytics, and Generative AI using modern MLOps and agile practices
• Ensure data is trusted, governed, reusable, and AI‑ready while championing ethical, responsible, and regulatory‑compliant AI
• Partner closely with senior leaders across Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, HR, Legal, and IT
• Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing, globally distributed AI and data organization
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership and represent Baxter with external partners, technology providers, and the broader AI ecosystem

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) strongly preferred
• 15–20 years of progressive experience across IT, data, analytics, and AI, including 10+ years in senior leadership roles leading global teams
• Proven success defining and delivering enterprise AI and data strategies with measurable business impact
• Deep experience across data platforms, analytics, AI/ML/GenAI, and AI governance
• Proven effectiveness operating in highly regulated environments (medtech, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or life sciences preferred)
• Strong track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top global talent
• Preferred direct experience in MedTech or Life Science with familiarity with global regulatory frameworks
• Leadership of large‑scale data modernization and AI platforms
• Executive‑level partnership with CEO, Board, and Operating Committee on enterprise transformation initiatives

Compensation

Estimated base salary for this position is $304,000‑$380,000 annually. The range may vary based on market data and other factors. The position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission, and/or long‑term incentive. Benefits include medical and dental coverage, life and disability insurance, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401(k) retirement savings plan, flexible spending accounts, educational assistance, paid time off, family and medical leave, parental leave, commuting benefits, employee discount program, Employee Assistance Program, and 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. Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally.