Project Manager, R&D
Baxter International Inc.
Summary
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.
Job description
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.
Requirements
- 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
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Short-term Disability
- Long-term Disability
- Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- 401(k) Matching
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Educational Assistance
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Family and Medical Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Commuting Benefits
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Childcare Benefits
Company overview
Baxter International Inc. is an American multinational healthcare company headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, founded in 1931. As a leading global medical device manufacturer, Baxter specializes in developing and producing essential medical products for treating chronic and acute medical conditions. The company operates across three primary business segments: Medical Products and Therapies, Healthcare Systems and Technologies, and Pharmaceuticals. Baxter's extensive product portfolio includes intravenous (IV) solutions, infusion pumps, dialysis equipment for kidney disease treatment, surgical technologies, and hospital pharmaceuticals. With approximately 38,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues exceeding $10 billion, Baxter plays a critical role in global healthcare infrastructure. The company is particularly known for its leadership in IV fluid production, manufacturing approximately 60% of the intravenous fluids used in the United States. Baxter's innovations include pioneering developments in artificial kidney technology and advanced surgical products, serving healthcare providers across more than 100 countries. The company maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing significantly in medical technology advancements that improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery efficiency.