Executive Director, Strategic Innovation & Partnerships

The Executive Director, Strategic Innovation & Partnerships serves as the senior scientific catalyst connecting ELC's Priority Pillar leaders with the external innovation provider ecosystem. The role is responsible for transforming how ELC identifies, accesses, and leverages external science by shifting supplier engagement from a reactive, opportunity-driven model to a proactive, strategically aligned, performance-driven and repeatable partnership model.

What You Will Do

Through scientific insight, external relationship leadership, and technology assessment expertise, this leader enables early access to emerging technologies and innovation pipelines, fosters collaborative development programs, and helps translate external capabilities into differentiated technologies that strengthen ELC's competitive advantage.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have a strong scientific background, experience in building and leading external innovation and/or strategic partnership programs, and a proven track record of translating external technologies into commercial innovation outcomes.

Requirements

• MS or PhD or PharmD - PhD or PharmD strongly preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Cosmetic Science, Dermatology, Materials Science, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in R&I, Advanced Research, Ingredient Innovation, or related domains.
• Proven track record building and leading external innovation and/or strategic partnership programs.
• Demonstrated success translating external technologies into commercial innovation outcomes.
• Deep expertise in cosmetic science, formulation, claims, regulatory, and commercialization pathways.
• 5+ years experience in the Beauty industry.
• Experience working with global suppliers, biotech/startup firms, CROs and academic partners.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders in a complex, matrixed organization.

Benefits

• health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• wellness and family support programs
• life and disability insurance
• retirement savings plans
• paid leave programs
• education-related programs
• paid holidays and vacation time