Director, Skin Product Safety & Toxicology, L'Oréal Research & Innovation - Clark, New Jersey

Hello, we’re L’Oréal, we're not just building brands; we're shaping how the world experiences beauty (and it takes a lot of cool jobs to do it).

Intrigued? Keep reading, this might be the opportunity you've been searching for.

Who We Are

Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 4,100 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.

We are seeking a Director to join our Product Safety Evaluation team in our Clark, New Jersey Research facility. Product Safety is responsible for the safety evaluation, testing and documentation of raw materials and finished products developed by, or acquired by L’Oréal USA, in compliance with global regulations and guidelines. This position requires an in-depth working knowledge of toxicology and safety risk assessment principles and includes managing and leading a team of highly technical individuals responsible for the review and compliance of the safety of raw materials and finished products as well as the support of claims related to product safety.

As a Director on our Product Safety team, your main responsibilities are:

• Provide functional direction and set objectives for their team within the Product Safety function of SRCM Americas with regards to cosmetics, OTC monograph products, drugs, medical devices and chemicals throughout the product lifecycle.
• Lead and develop a team of highly skilled technical professionals within the global Worldwide Safety Evaluation (WSE) organization and foster a culture of feedback and team spirit.
• Develop a strong interface with other US and international stakeholders in the Americas region, particularly R&I and Business divisions, including by directly leading the Product Safety support for R&I business units. 
• Provide the expertise required to defend Group's safety policy and projects before the relevant authorities and stakeholders.
• To work with senior management on safety-related issues in terms of company responses and positions on our products and safety protocols.
• To assist in managing the long-term mission of the group in evaluating raw materials and the clinical safety trials on the finished products as well as the review of health-related consumer events pertaining to products.
• To lead efforts to harmonize safety testing protocols, establish globally-aligned safety standards, and determine necessary evaluations for raw materials and finished products.
• Interact with key stakeholders in the Americas region and follow toxicology-related issues to identify those that may have local and global regulatory impacts (CIR, RIFM, FDA, ANVISA, Health Canada, and other testing requirements of regulatory agencies).
• Define direct reporting team's objectives and ensure the team organization and skills match the needs by enhancing quality, improving service, optimizing costs and developing the skills of team members.
• Represent L’Oréal in trade associations and other external liaison scientific task forces and monitor key safety-related issues related to company interest and make recommendations to management regarding possible courses of action.
• Lead cross-disciplinary projects initiated within the WSE network.
• Responsible for goal setting and career development of direct reports for continual growth of functional expertise and skills.
• Assisting with spearheading the development and implementation of the Americas Safety team’s vision, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring alignment with the broader organizational goals.

To Succeed in this Position, You Have:

• A completed Ph.D. in Toxicology or related discipline is required
• 8+ years of relevant product safety experience in the cosmetic, OTC, consumer health care, medical device, dietary supplements, and/or pharmaceutical industries, with global vision of the profession, is required
• Experience in leading, managing and developing high performing cross-functional, and multi-cultural teams is required
• Proficiency in the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) strategies to ensure the safety of new materials and technologies is highly preferred
• D.A.B.T. or E.R.T. certification is a plus 
• Participation in various technical & liaison organizations within the industry
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to analyze and summarize complex safety-related issues and initiatives for key business target audiences
• Proven leadership skills with a strong results orientation, positive "hands on" attitude and a sense of urgency to get things done with demonstrated grace and even temperament under pressure
• Adept at utilizing digital tools and processes to streamline operations and enhance overall efficiency
• Full proficiency in English, additional Spanish or French language skills a plus
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis without the need for legal sponsorship now or in the future (required)
• Able to work onsite, in the office as this is an essential function of the position (required)

What’s In It For You

• A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you’ll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
• Real responsibility from day 1, there’s no sitting on the sidelines at L’Oréal
• An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
• A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
• Base Salary Range: $126,900 - $184,000 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level) 
• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Hybrid Work Policy (Up to 2 Days per week work from home for eligible roles, subject to manager approval)
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.