A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference.
We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.
Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.
United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.
Job SummaryChurch & Dwight is seeking an Innovation Ecosystem & Strategic Partnerships Senior Manager to join our team.
Reporting to the Director, Marketing Innovation & Development - Beauty, the Innovation Ecosystem & Strategic Partnerships Senior Manager will build and lead a world-class external innovation network spanning ingredient suppliers, packaging innovators, contract manufacturers, startups, universities, technology partners, and research organizations.
As the strategic bridge between Church & Dwight Beauty and the external innovation ecosystem, this role supports Hero, Batiste, Nair, Viviscal, and Toppik by identifying emerging technologies, cultivating high-value partnerships, and translating external opportunities into differentiated products, accelerated speed to market, and sustainable portfolio growth. Working across Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, PMO, and Commercial teams, this leader will expand access to breakthrough capabilities, strengthen the innovation pipeline, and help shape the future of the Beauty business.
About the RoleThe purpose of this role is to identify and unlock external innovation opportunities that create meaningful competitive advantage across the Beauty portfolio. This leader will continuously monitor emerging technologies, consumer trends, and market developments to ensure Church & Dwight remains at the forefront of beauty innovation.
Success in this role requires curiosity, strategic thinking, and the ability to build influential partnerships that move beyond traditional supplier relationships toward co-creation, exclusive technologies, and long-term growth opportunities.
This role continually challenges the organization to answer:
What emerging technologies could redefine our categories?
Which partnerships can create sustainable competitive differentiation?
How can we transform supplier relationships into strategic innovation collaborations?
What capabilities should we invest in today to meet the needs of tomorrow's consumers?
Hybrid: This is a hybrid role based in Ewing, NJ or NYC and requires in- person attendance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with remote work options on Mondays and Fridays.
Build an Innovation Ecosystem
Develop strategic relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, startups, universities and technology partners.
Expand a differentiated ecosystem that improves competitive advantage.
Build preferred partnerships for breakthrough innovation.
Technology & Trend Scouting
Identify emerging technologies, ingredients, packaging and manufacturing capabilities.
Monitor consumer, scientific and competitive trends.
Translate discoveries into actionable innovation opportunities.
Deliver analysis of formulas that are being explored from a consumer/competitive standpoint
Strategic Partnerships
Develop long-term co-creation partnerships.
Identify exclusivity and first-to-market opportunities.
Recommend partnership investments.
Portfolio Growth
Support 3–5 year innovation roadmaps.
Introduce externally sourced concepts into planning.
Strengthen the innovation pipeline.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner with Marketing Innovation, R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, PMO and Commercial.
Develop Technology Radar, Innovation Landscape Reviews and Partner Assessments.
Leadership Competencies
Curious and future-focused
Relationship builder
Influences without authority
Commercially and technically fluent
Passionate about shaping the future of beauty
Key Performance Indicators
Increase externally sourced innovation concepts
Reduce development cycle time
Grow strategic partner network
Increase differentiated technologies entering pipeline
Successfully partner in negotiating an exclusive or novel formula
Improve commercialization success
Increase revenue contribution from externally enabled innovation
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Cosmetics Marketing, Chemistry, Engineering or related field required.
8+ years in Beauty, Personal Care, CPG or adjacent industries required.
Experience with suppliers, manufacturers or external innovation partnerships.
Strong strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership.
Must be able to assess and analyze formulas and consumer experience.
Must have an understanding of competitive landscape.
Some travel required
MBA or advanced technical degree.
Experience in Open Innovation or Strategic Partnerships.
Experience navigating trade shows and following up with R&D re formulas and suppliers.
The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $130,200– $185,400. This position is also eligible for a bonus.
As a Church & Dwight US employee, you (and eligible dependents, as applicable) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid vacation and sick time, and Paid Parental Leave. U.S. employees are entitled to paid holidays, floating holidays, and vacation days starting in their first year of employment depending on hire date. You are also able to participate in our 401k retirement plan (with company match and profit-sharing) and Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal pay parity. Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
#LI-Hybrid
Church & Dwight is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
For more information on our company, our brands and our culture visit us at http://www.churchdwight.com/
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Cosmetics Marketing, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field
- 8+ years of experience in Beauty, Personal Care, CPG, or adjacent industries
- Experience working with suppliers, manufacturers, or external innovation partnerships
- Strong strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership skills
- Ability to assess and analyze formulas and consumer experience
- Understanding of the competitive landscape
- Some travel required
- MBA or advanced technical degree
- Experience in Open Innovation or Strategic Partnerships
- Experience navigating trade shows and following up with R&D on formulas and suppliers
Church & Dwight Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Church & Dwight and has not been reviewed or approved by Church & Dwight.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) match alongside profit sharing, forming a robust savings package with clear vesting parameters. This structure meaningfully enhances long‑term total rewards.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical coverage offers multiple plan choices, including a zero‑deductible option, with company‑funded HSA support and access to mental‑health resources. These features contribute to comprehensive health protection.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual bonuses and performance incentives are common components, adding meaningful value to total compensation. This consistency reinforces pay beyond base salary.
Church & Dwight Insights
What We Do
Church & Dwight is a world leader in household and personal care products. Our brands include ARM & HAMMER®, Batiste™, OxiClean™, Trojan™, XTRA™, Nair™, First Response™, Spinbrush™, Orajel™, Vitafusion™, Li’l Critters™, Water Pik®, Zicam®, TheraBreath® and HERO. Founded in 1846, we have operations globally and are listed in the S&P 500. At Church & Dwight, we power people’s every day by providing quality, affordable consumer products. This is a place where ambition meets impact. We take pride in owning our areas of expertise. Our team of high aptitude people innovate and focus on new ways of doing things. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win. We live by our pillars – they ground us in a shared sense of purpose and guide major decisions about the business and our people. And we believe that we all have something to contribute and something to gain from working together. Bring your determination: We’ll give you the space to own your success and do work you didn’t know was possible. Bring your team spirit: We’ll offer you an open-minded and low-ego environment. Bring your courage: We’ll help you make a tangible impact on the business
