Global Innovation Director, Beauty & Home

Global Innovation Director, Beauty & Home

Location: Brecksville, OH (starting), transitioning to Wickliffe, OH in 2028.

Job Type: Hybrid (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)

Travel: 10-30%

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact — on your career, your community, and the world around you.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Lubrizol Life Science is seeking a visionary and results‑oriented Global Innovation Director, Beauty & Home to lead our global innovation strategy and applications organization. This highly visible leadership role will drive the development of differentiated technologies, active ingredient platforms, and customer‑centric solutions that accelerate growth and strengthen Lubrizol’s position as a trusted innovation partner in the beauty and home care markets.

As a key member of the global technology leadership team, you will translate emerging consumer trends, scientific advancements, and customer needs into breakthrough innovations that deliver meaningful business impact. You will lead a global team of application and innovation professionals while partnering closely with commercial, marketing, regulatory, and product management leaders to shape the future of our portfolio.

In addition, this role serves as the North American technical expert for active ingredients, supporting strategic customer engagements, technical collaborations, and customized innovation projects throughout the region.

Drive Innovation Strategy

• Develop and execute the global innovation and applications strategy for the Beauty & Home business.
• Identify emerging technologies, market opportunities, and industry trends that can create sustainable competitive advantage.
• Build and manage a robust innovation pipeline aligned with business growth objectives.
• Define long‑term technology roadmaps across active ingredients, formulation systems, and enabling technologies.
• Partner with business and marketing leaders to create differentiated value propositions and claims‑based innovation strategies.
• Drive innovation programs from concept through commercialization.
• Champion breakthrough technologies, novel active ingredients, and next‑generation solutions.
• Establish effective innovation prioritization and resource allocation processes.
• Accelerate external innovation through collaborations with universities, startups, research organizations, and strategic partners.
• Support the development of scientifically substantiated product claims and technology platforms.

Act as a Technical Leader and Industry Expert

• Serve as the North American subject‑matter expert for active ingredients.
• Partner directly with customers to understand needs, solve technical challenges, and identify innovation opportunities.
• Lead scientific discussions, technical presentations, and customer workshops.
• Represent Lubrizol at industry conferences, technical forums, and key customer events.

Build High‑Performing Teams

• Lead, coach, and develop a global team of innovation and applications professionals.
• Create an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture focused on excellence and customer impact.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and technical capability building.
• Promote safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across laboratories and technical organizations.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner closely with Marketing, Commercial, Product Management, Regulatory, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and R&D teams.
• Contribute technical expertise to business strategy, portfolio development, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Support technology assessments, partnership evaluations, and acquisition opportunities.
• Influence strategic decisions as a member of the global leadership team.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, or a related scientific discipline.
• Deep expertise in cosmetic active ingredients and skin biology.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in beauty, personal care, active ingredients, or related innovation‑focused industries.
• At least 5 years of experience designing and managing in vitro and/or in vivo efficacy studies.
• Strong project leadership experience managing complex, cross‑functional innovation programs.
• Demonstrated success leading global or multi‑regional teams and initiatives.
• Proven track record of bringing innovative technologies from concept to commercialization.
• Strong understanding of efficacy testing, claims development, formulation science, and regulatory considerations.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with active ingredient, advanced claims science, AI‑enabled innovation, or digital product development.
• Experience evaluating external technologies, partnerships, licensing opportunities, or acquisitions.
• Knowledge of global beauty and personal care markets and consumer trends.
• Experience working within a global matrix organization.

Your Work Environment

At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well‑being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance‑based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age‑Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement
• Learn more at benefits.lubrizol.com

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems—are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science‑based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.