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.

Who We Are

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) build strong relationships with external partners relevant to L’Oréal’s core business, and (iii) manage key alliances post execution of contracts. The position reports to the VP of Business Development in R&I N. America, is full time, hybrid and based in L’Oréal’s new state of the art research center 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 BioPrint device for personalized skin analysis (launched at CES 2025), AirLight 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.

A Day in the Life: As a Director of Open Innovation Business Development you will:

• 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 KOL’s operating in the relevant scientific fields and industries

We Are Looking For: You’re a great match for this role if you are an innovator, entrepreneur, integrator, and problem-solver with a research-minded approach, eager to contribute to our Beauty Tech portfolio

• Education: A 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 is 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, external technical experts and internal decision makers
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and alliance management skills
• The ability to be onsite, in the office as this is an essential function of the position (required)
• Ability to travel 25% of the time to support business development needs (domestically and internationally)
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis without the need for legal sponsorship now or in the future (required)

What’s In It For You

• A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you’ll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
• Real responsibility from day 1, there’s no sitting on the sidelines at L’Oréal
• An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
• A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
• Base Salary Range: $126,900 - $184,000 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level) 
• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Hybrid Work Policy (Up to 2 Days per week work from home for eligible roles, subject to manager approval)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.