L'Oréal is the world's largest cosmetic company, distinguished by the highest investment in Research & Innovation (R&I) within the industry. Founded in 1909 by a young chemist, Eugène Schueller, L'Oréal continues to excel in science and innovation. L'Oréal's Research & Innovation division employs over 4,000 people of approximately 60 nationalities. Working across some thirty disciplines, more than half of these employees hold doctorates or engineering degrees, and they are responsible for filing approximately 600 patents per year.

Job Description

We are seeking a Color Science Expert in Japan who will work transversally across our skincare, makeup, and hair categories. This role will be based in Kanagawa, reporting to the Head of Color Science Métier North Asia in Japan. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally with multiple internal teams as well as external partners. Key internal teams include Development and Application Domains in skincare, makeup, and hair, Evaluation Intelligence, CMI, Innovation Direction, and global marketing teams, among others.

The primary mission of this role is to establish a transversal Color Science activity (aligned with North Asia and Worldwide strategies and project portfolios) and to transform innovation into business success in Japan. This will involve:

• Providing consumers with the best performing and most relevant colors, along with personalized services and products for skincare, makeup, and hair.
• Establishing our brands as trendsetters for new color and optical effects.

To achieve this mission, the Color Science Expert will adopt a transversal, consumer-centric, and holistic approach to key responsibilities include:

• Aligning with global and regional Color Science strategies to initiate and lead programs, leveraging consumer-centricity, results-orientation, and accurate product positioning.
• Understanding the needs of internal collaborating departments; by integrating these insights with global and regional Color Science strategies, a positive collaborative cycle will be fostered, driving innovation and business growth.
• Building an external ecosystem in Color (e.g., academia, startups, raw material suppliers) and initiating collaborations in Japan.
• Closely monitoring competitors' strategies in Color.

Background & Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Color Science and Sensory Science or Cognitive Science.
• 10+ years of professional experience in the field of color, specifically within the beauty industry or another relevant industry. Ideally possesses extensive experience in multisensory research, particularly in studies related to color, fragrance, and texture.
• Significant working experience within a global company, demonstrating an international mindset and strong cross-functional stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced setting while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of colorimetry, color appearance, cognitive science, and color management systems.
• Proven computer programming skills and proficiency with software packages (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB, R, SAS, Excel).
• Proficient with various forms of artificial intelligence.
• Good understanding of color pigments and raw material technologies.
• Curiosity, independent thinking, and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Passion for science, color, and the beauty industry.