Director, Innovation Business Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation

Director, Open Innovation Business Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation - Clark, New Jersey

Hello, we’re L’Oréal, we're not just building brands; we're shaping how the world experiences beauty (and it takes a lot of cool jobs to do it).

Intrigued? Keep reading, this might be the opportunity you've been searching for.

Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting‑edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 4,100 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.

The function of Open Innovation Business Development for North America Research & Innovation is to support the group by (i) negotiating strategic partnerships and collaborations with startups and research institutes with a focus on Biotechnology, Biology, Advanced Materials, Digital Cosmetics, Biophysics, Devices, etc.; (ii) building strong relationships with external partners relevant to L’Oréal’s core business, and (iii) managing key alliances post execution of contracts.

The position reports to the VP of Business Development in R&I North America, is full‑time, hybrid and based in L’Oréal’s new state‑of‑the‑art research centre in Clark, New Jersey.

You will act as a key contributor to L’Oréal’s superior product portfolio pipeline and have a meaningful impact on consumer lives throughout the world. Some examples of L’Oreal Open Innovation BD partnerships include:
Cell Bio Print device for personalized skin analysis (launched at CES 2025), Air Light Pro hairdryer using infrared technology for faster, more sustainable haircare (launched at CES 2024), Debut Bio investment and collaboration to biomanufacturer sustainable and novel ingredients, Verily partnership to advance precision health, Gjosa water saving device in hair salons, Clue digital health app for tracking menstrual health and skincare, La Roche Posay My Skin Track UV wearable device for monitoring UV exposure.

• Support all Business Development & Licensing activities for L’Oreal Research & Innovation in North America, working closely with a cross‑functional deal team, key internal stakeholders and global counterparts.
• Define and negotiate the business model of our partnerships with startups and academics.
• Identify new growth opportunities based on emerging science and technology with the potential to impact our industry within a 5‑10 year horizon.
• Perform analysis of industry trends, intellectual property, financial models and scientific landscape.
• Communicate key findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders to drive the due diligence process forward effectively.
• Build and maintain a robust network of startups, academics, accelerators, incubators and KOLs operating in the relevant scientific fields and industries.

• Education:
  
  Completed MS or PhD in science or engineering required (MBA and/or JD a plus).
• Experience:
  
  8+ years relevant business development and licensing work experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of Business Development & Licensing activities (IP, Legal, contracts, etc.).
• Strong communication, analytical, interpersonal and negotiation skills, coupled with strategic awareness of products, consumers, customers, and channels.
• Track record of closing high quality partnering opportunities, investments, licenses, acquisitions.
• Experience working with international partners and colleagues highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge in relevant scientific/technical fields and familiarity with latest technologies.
• Ability to work with, and influence,…