Associate Director Innovation, Beauty & Care

DSM-Firmenich AG; Kaiseraugst; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique career paths across health, Nut

Sustainability embedded in all we do

Science-led company with cutting edgeR

Growth that matches your development

Job summary

DSM-Firmenich AG is seeking an Associate Director Innovation to lead the Beauty & Care innovation portfolio, technology scouting, and external partnerships in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland. The role sits at the intersection of science, technology, business strategy, and customer needs to turn trends into growth platforms.

You will drive portfolio development, build collaborations, and influence senior leadership with actionable growth opportunities across R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, and Operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in innovation and business development in Personal Care.
• Experience in technology scouting.
• Experience in strategic partnerships and portfolio development related to cosmetics.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop the innovation pipeline for the assigned product segment with Marketing and R&D.
• Define innovation priorities and evaluate opportunities based on strategic, commercial, and technical criteria.
• Shape and support the IP strategy for the assigned product segment with R&D and IP teams.
• Build and manage a balanced portfolio of innovation projects from ideation through commercialization, recommending investment priorities.

Skills

Life sciences degree

Chemistry

PhD

Innovation

Business development

R&D

Technology scouting

Strategic partnerships

Cosmetic ingredient discovery

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

English fluent

Education

Degree in Life Sciences

Chemistry degree

PhD

Tools

Job description

Associate Director Innovation, Beauty & Care

Location: Kaiseraugst (Basel), Switzerland

Shape the Future of Beauty & Care Innovation

Are you passionate about identifying emerging technologies, building strategic partnerships, and transforming new opportunities into business growth?

We are looking for a highly entrepreneurial Associate Director Innovation to lead one of our product segment's innovation portfolio strategy, technology scouting, and external innovation partnerships within the Beauty & Care business.

In this role, you will operate at the intersection of science, technology, business strategy, and customer needs, turning emerging trends and technologies into high-impact growth platforms that create long-term competitive advantage and sustainable business value.

Your Key Responsibilities

Drive Early Innovation Projects, Innovation Strategy and Portfolio Development

• Own and continuously develop the innovation pipeline for the assigned product segment in close collaboration with Marketing and R&D.
• Define innovation priorities and evaluate opportunities based on strategic, commercial, and technical criteria.
• Shape and support the IP strategy for the assigned product segment in collaboration with R&D and IP teams, to ensure differentiating technology launches
• Build and manage a balanced portfolio of innovation projects from ideation through commercialization, recommending investment priorities to maximize business impact.

Scout Technologies and Build Growth Opportunities

• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and disruptive innovations relevant to the business.
• Lead technology scouting efforts and monitor external innovation ecosystems to identify sources of competitive advantage.
• Translate scientific, technological, and market insights into actionable growth opportunities.

Manage Strategic Partnerships and External Innovation

• Establish and manage collaborations with technology providers, start-ups, academic institutions, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Assess and support strategic partnerships and external innovation opportunities, including venture, licensing, and M&A activities.
• Develop business cases and investment proposals to support senior leadership decision-making.

Influence Across the Organisation

• Lead cross-functional innovation initiatives involving stakeholders across R&D, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, Procurement, and senior leadership.
• Align stakeholders and drive decisions in complex environments without formal authority.
• Present portfolio strategies and investment recommendations to senior management while acting as a trusted advisor on innovation and growth opportunities.

We Offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

You Bring

• Degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry or a related field; a PhD is an advantage.
• Strong experience in innovation, business development, R&D, technology scouting, or strategic partnerships within Personal Care.
• Proven track record in evaluating technologies, managing strategic partnerships, and developing innovation portfolios.
• Experience in cosmetic ingredient discovery and qualification process.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and capitalize on new growth opportunities.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and the ability to translate ideas into business impact.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and navigate complexity in ambiguous environments.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English, additional languages are an advantage.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.