VP, Research & Development - Advanced Surgery

Your Role at Baxter

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 by leading 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:
  Provides 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 to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

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 $280,000 - $350,000 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, commission, and/or long‑term incentive. For…