Portfolio Rationalization Leader

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.

The Portfolio Rationalization Leader is responsible for driving enterprise‑level focus and efficiency by identifying the critical 20% of activities, customers, or products that generate 80% of results. A core responsibility of this role is leading SKU rationalization enterprise‑wide
, ensuring simplification of product portfolios and elimination of low‑value offerings. This leader transforms performance through strategic prioritization, simplification, and data‑driven decision‑making. They challenge the status quo, articulate the “why,” and help teams focus on work that truly matters.

• Strategic Prioritization: Apply the Pareto Principle to identify the “vital few” tasks, customers, and SKU/product lines that generate the highest returns.

• SKU Rationalization: Lead enterprise‑wide SKU simplification to streamline product lists and eliminate low‑value SKUs.

• Resource Allocation: Redirect human, financial, and technological resources toward high‑impact initiatives.

• Culture Transformation: Champion a culture of simplification, continuous improvement, and focus.

• Team Empowerment & Delegation: Identify top talent and delegate intentionally.

• Data‑Driven Decision Making:
  Use segmented P&Ls and analytics to guide decisions.

• Process Improvement: Lead kaizen events, strategy workshops, and simplification efforts.

Typical Activities would include

• Conducting 80/20 analysis (e.g., customer, product, profit).

• Leading kaizen events or strategy workshops.

• Developing Raving Fans and target selling strategies.

• Simplifying product and customer lists.

• Partnering with senior leaders across business lines.

Key Skills

• Analytical & Strategic Thinking:
  Ability to see the big picture and pinpoint leverage points.

• Influence &
  
  Coaching:
  
  Inspire and coach leaders and teams to adopt focused, high‑impact behaviors.

• Decisive & Focused:
  Concentrate on important—not just urgent—work and say "no" to lower‑value activities.

• Action‑Oriented:
  Deliver results through focused execution.

• Exceptional Communication:
  Clearly articulate the “why” behind decisions and challenge existing norms.

• Change Leadership:
  Influence teams through organizational transformation and simplification

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred

• 10–15+ years in operations, strategy, or continuous improvement

• Experience with 80/20 methodology, Lean, or segmentation

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 $216,000 - $297,000 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 on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, commission, and/or long‑term incentive. 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.

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…