Sr. Manager, R&D Planning & Operations

Baxter International Inc.•Skaneateles, NY

2d•$152,000 - $209,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, R&D Planning & Operations is a key business partner to the Head of R&D, responsible for driving operational performance, portfolio governance, financial planning, and execution across the R&D organization. This role ensures strategic priorities are translated into actionable operating plans, investment decisions, resource allocation strategies, and measurable business outcomes. Serving as the central point of coordination between R&D, Finance, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, and Commercial teams, this leader drives accountability, improves decision-making, and enables efficient portfolio execution in a complex, matrixed environment.

Requirements

Experience leading complex business operations, portfolio management, finance, PMO, strategy, or transformation initiatives.
Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to connect investments, resources, risks, and business outcomes.
Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive execution across matrixed organizations.
Strong analytical skills with experience synthesizing operational and financial data into actionable recommendations.
Experience establishing governance processes, performance metrics, and operating rhythms.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Management, or related field required.
10+ years of experience in Finance, Strategy, PMO, Operations, Business Operations, Portfolio Management, Product Development, or related functions.
15+ years of experience may be considered for an Associate Director level role.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and execution of key R&D priorities, portfolio initiatives, and organizational objectives.
Support portfolio governance, investment reviews, and prioritization decisions to optimize resources and business results.
Develop executive-level analyses, dashboards, and recommendations to support leadership decision-making.
Monitor portfolio performance, identify risks and resource gaps, and drive corrective actions.
Partner with Finance and R&D leaders to manage budgets, headcount planning, forecasting, and investment allocation.
Analyze financial, operational, and portfolio data to support resource and investment decisions.
Develop business cases and scenario analyses to support strategic planning and prioritization.
Drive financial discipline and transparency across the R&D organization.
Establish and improve operating processes, governance frameworks, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms.
Lead initiatives focused on improving productivity, resource utilization, decision quality, and delivery performance.
Implement scalable tools and management routines that improve organizational effectiveness.
Support organizational change initiatives and adoption of new operating models.
Manage the R&D leadership team's operating cadence, including business reviews, governance meetings, action tracking, and executive communications.
Partner across Finance, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, HR, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment on priorities and execution.
Facilitate cross-functional decision-making, issue resolution, and accountability for key deliverables.
Prepare leadership communications, presentations, and business updates for senior executives.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage that start on day one
Insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching
Flexible Spending Accounts
Educational assistance programs
Paid holidays
Paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service
Family and medical leaves of absence
Paid parental leave
Commuting benefits
Employee Discount Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Childcare benefits