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

• 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)