Head of Strategic Innovation & External Partnerships

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Education programs

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. seeks an Executive Director, Strategic Innovation & Partnerships to lead external science scouting and strategic collaborations across R&I, Procurement, and Legal/IP.

This role shapes partner ecosystems, translates external capabilities into differentiated technologies, and ensures governance and measurement of supplier opportunities from discovery to commercialization. You will build senior scientific relationships with global suppliers, biotech firms, and

Qualifications

• MS or PhD/PharmD in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or related field.
• 15+ years in R&I, advanced research, or ingredient innovation.
• Proven track record building external innovation and strategic partnership programs.
• Demonstrated success translating external technologies into commercial outcomes.
• Deep expertise in cosmetic science, formulation, claims, regulatory and commercialization.
• 5+ years in the Beauty industry.
• Experience with global suppliers, biotech/startups, CROs and academia.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders in a complex, matrixed org.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Strategic External Innovation Mindset Across Advanced Technologies.
• Identify opportunities and cultivate supplier partnerships aligned with long-term priorities.
• Build a transparent portfolio of external partners with scorecards and governance.
• Align internal teams (R&I, Legal, Procurement) to drive collaboration models.
• Translate external capabilities into differentiated technologies for ELC.

Skills

Strategic leadership

External partnerships

Influence stakeholders

Cross-functional collaboration

Commercialization pathways

Education

MS or PhD or PharmD

Job description

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. seeks an Executive Director, Strategic Innovation & Partnerships to lead external science scouting and strategic collaborations across R&I, Procurement, and Legal/IP.

This role shapes partner ecosystems, translates external capabilities into differentiated technologies, and ensures governance and measurement of supplier opportunities from discovery to commercialization. You will build senior scientific relationships with global suppliers, biotech firms, and