VP, Research & Development - Advanced Surgery

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.

Reporting to the Division President, Advanced Surgery, this role is responsible for leading Global Research & Development supporting a diverse, global product portfolio including hemostats, sealants, tissue products, microsurgery technologies, and adhesion prevention solutions representing approximately $1B in annual revenue. The scope of accountability includes the strategic planning and execution of exploratory research, innovation, applied research, new product development, and sustaining activities across the portfolio.

The Vice President, R&D provides strong leadership and direction for a global organization of approximately 90 colleagues, fostering a high‑performance, inclusive culture aligned with Baxter’s mission, vision, and values.

• Strategic R&D Leadership – Lead the development and execution of enterprise R&D strategy, product and platform roadmaps, and innovation agendas, informed by industry trends, emerging technologies and strong cross‑functional partnerships.
• Portfolio & Program Oversight – Provide oversight for a global portfolio of high‑impact products and programs, ensuring disciplined delivery across scope, budget, timelines, and the full product lifecycle from ideation through commercialization and continuous improvement.
• Financial & Operational Stewardship – Own and manage the global R&D operating budget, ensuring strong financial governance, effective resource allocation, and minimal variance to plan and forecast.
• Enterprise Collaboration & Growth Enablement – Partner with senior business leaders and cross‑functional stakeholders (Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, etc.) to influence business strategy, support business development and licensing opportunities, and drive growth initiatives.
• Talent & Organizational Leadership – Build and sustain a high‑performing R&D organization by developing critical capabilities, strengthening leadership pipelines, optimizing global resources, and driving talent development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness through change.

• Enterprise Leadership & Influence – Demonstrated ability to lead effectively within complex, matrixed organizations; influence and drive alignment across functions and levels without formal authority; and establish accountability through clear milestones, progress tracking, and course correction.
• Strategic Collaboration & Stakeholder Partnership – Proven success building and negotiating strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners to solve complex problems, achieve shared objectives, and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Business Acumen & Executive Presence – Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills, paired with a deep understanding of business drivers including regulatory requirements, customer and patient needs, global market dynamics, financial performance, and product roadmaps.
• Product Development & Global Leadership Experience – 15+ years of experience in product development and strategic business leadership, including managing global teams; experience in medical devices, biologics, or biotechnology strongly preferred.
• Education, Mobility & Professional Readiness – Advanced degree in a scientific or engineering discipline required (biologics highly desirable), with willingness and ability…