Associate Director Upstream

Description Kenvue is currently recruiting for: Associate Director, Upstream R&D This position reports to Senior Director/Head, Global Upstream R&D, Skin Health & Beauty and is based at Skillman, NJ (moving to Summit, NJ in 2025). Who we are At Kenvue , we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we're the house of iconic brands - including Neutrogena, Aveeno, Tylenol, Listerine, Johnson's and BAND-AID Brand Adhesive Bandages that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent. Our global team is made up of 22,000 diverse and brilliant people, passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact the life of millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage - and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future-and yours. For more information, click here . Role reports to: Senior Director/Head, Global Upstream R&D Skin Health & Beauty Location: Kenvue ' s corporate headquarters is currently located in Skillman NJ, but is scheduled to move to Summit, NJ in or around early 2025. Travel: 5-10% Pay: $131,000-$225,400 What you will do The Associate Director, R&D is responsible for developing the innovation strategy including areas of scientific and therapeutic leadership in support of product pipeline for the Skin Health & Beauty portfolio of brands. This role will will serve as the technical scientific lead in product innovation discussions including for pipeline and commercial product in market, working closely with product development teams, global R&D, and global scientific engagement leads. The role will lead a team of scientists to develop strategy and plans for execution; build opportunities for ownability, patents and publications; evaluate ingredient platform through testing and data review; and, build external collaborations to propel innovation territories forward. The role will interact with various functions including marketing, translational science, regulatory and legal as part of project teams. The role also includes managing strategic relationships with core external suppliers and identifying opportunities for external academic and KOL collaborations. Key Responsibilities The ideal candidate will lead a global upstream innovation platform within Skin Health R&D and will be directly responsible for the technology strategy and program execution enabling a scientifically-rigorous innovation pipeline aligned with global brand and consumer needs. Responsibilities include: Set the technical innovation strategy and run a global innovation platform with a team of scientists to support Skin Health & Beauty brands. Build ingredient platform strategies, set success criteria and evaluate research that supports focus brand portfolios and provides opportunities for novel claims, market differentiation and ownership Work internally and externally to identify biological targets and technologies to provide skincare benefits and claims; lead programs with strategic suppliers Develop robust science to support execution with key opinion leaders and HCPs Drive an external lens through understanding external scientific literature and intellectual property, competitive activity and staying abreast of consumer trends Ensure the upstream technical strategy is industry-leading with new capabilities and extrernal collaborations Summarize technology programs; write and execute peer reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, communications and patent fillings as appropriate. Provide project/program progress reports and status updates to senior management. Lead a team of scientists in a highly collaborative and growth-oriented environment. Manage budget allocation for the service and resources across R&D. The role requires extensive cross functional partnerships and collaboration. A strong scientific background together with strong analytical and communication skills of research findings are must have prerequisites. What we are looking for Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree, Masters or Ph.D or equivalent in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biololgy, Engineering, Pharmacy Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience with thorough understanding of the cosmetic, professional and OTC skin health space. Experience in developing and executing strategic scientific plans to drive brand growth in skin health and beauty category An excellent technical foundation of skin biology, experimental design, translation of data to product/territory messaging in support of formulated skin products and brand messaging Experience in developing ownable/patentable ingredient technology to drive differentiation in the market Successful track record in translating science mode of action into consumer and health professional language including differentiated claims and communications with ability to represent the science externally Minimum 8 years experience in team management and talent development Fluent written and oral English communication skills Desired Qualifications Experience with cosmetic and/or OTC product development Experience working with external manufacturing and technical project management Experience partnering with industry suppliers on development programs What's in it for you Annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges from $131,000-$225,400. This takes into account a number of factors including work location, the candidate's skills, experience, education level... Equal Opportunity Employer - minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity