ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Open Innovation Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Air Liquide

Investment Director

Newark, DE · On-site

R10087983 Investment Director (Open) Location: Newark, DE (ICD) - Support functions The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and ...

Air Liquide

Investment Director

Newark, DE · On-site +1

R10087983 Investment Director (Open) Location: Newark, DE (ICD) - Support functions The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and ...

VitalAire Canada Inc.

Investment Director

Newark, DE · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

R10087983R10087983 Investment Director (Open)Location:Newark, DE (ICD) - Support functionsThe Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and ...

Aspenational

Director of Preconstruction

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$120 - $190/hr

This involves working with dedication and enthusiasm, being open to learning, valuing the ... Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. * Manage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOpen Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation Jobs in Delaware

Director Open Innovation information

What is a director of open innovation?

A Director of Open Innovation is a senior leader responsible for driving innovation by fostering collaboration between an organization and external partners, such as startups, universities, and research institutions. They create and manage programs that encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and knowledge to accelerate product development and solve complex business challenges. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships, overseeing innovation projects, and ensuring alignment with the company's goals. The Director of Open Innovation plays a key part in building an innovative culture and expanding the organization's capabilities beyond its internal resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of open innovation?

To thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, you need a strong background in innovation management, cross-industry collaboration, and strategic leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with open innovation platforms, intellectual property management systems, and experience with tools for partnership management are typically required. Outstanding relationship-building, negotiation, and change management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are essential to successfully drive external collaborations, accelerate innovation pipelines, and deliver business value through strategic partnerships.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of open innovation when integrating external partnerships into existing company structures?

A Director of Open Innovation often encounters challenges such as aligning external partners' goals with internal business objectives, managing intellectual property concerns, and ensuring smooth communication across different organizational cultures. Successfully integrating new ideas or technologies can require navigating resistance to change within the company and establishing clear processes for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Building trust, setting transparent expectations, and fostering strong internal advocacy are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and maximizing the value of external collaborations.

What is the difference between Director Open Innovation vs Innovation Manager?

AspectDirector Open InnovationInnovation Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Engineering, or related fields; often requires experience in innovation or R&DBachelor's or Master’s in similar fields; focus on project management and innovation processes
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, executive-level interactionsProject execution, team coordination, supporting innovation initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech firms, and R&D departmentsCommon in corporate innovation teams, startups, and product development units

The main difference is that the Director Open Innovation focuses on strategic leadership and high-level innovation initiatives, while the Innovation Manager handles day-to-day project execution and supports innovation processes. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to fostering innovation within organizations, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Director Open Innovation jobs in Delaware?

For Director Open Innovation jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Open Innovation jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Open Innovation jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Director Open Innovation jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Director Open Innovation job openings:

Director Open Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Open Innovation job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Investment Director

Air Liquide

Newark, DE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Air Liquide rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 103 rated chemical manufacturers

Job description

R10087983 Investment Director (Open)
Location:
Newark, DE (ICD) - Support functions
The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.
How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?
American Air Liquide Inc. belongs to the Air Liquide Group, a world leading supplier of industrial gases. Present in 75 countries, Air Liquide provides industrial and medical gases and related services. The Group offers innovative solutions based on constantly enhanced technologies. These solutions, which are consistent with Air Liquide's commitment to sustainable development, help to preserve life and enable our customers to manufacture many indispensable everyday products.
Develop a stakeholder intimacy/proximity to animate a strong and dynamic relationship/network. Be proactive in making suggestions and proposition solutions to solve current challenges or open new markets for our internal operations. Navigate corporate politics, align with internal business units and communicate with executives. Work on startup screening, sourcing. Assess company's strategic needs and support their innovation roadmaps by mapping start ups that could support this ambition. Finding new startups to invest through participation in events, internal and external networks & suggestions made by the company. Analyze potential investments (market review, techno and team evaluation, business model, etc.). Assess startup's potential and interest for Air Liquide group. Find and establish internal sponsorship for investment topics. Work on financial analysis with the help of CFO and an analyst: business plan analysis, valuation with different methodologies (DCF, comparables, etc.) Actively participate in board meetings and meetings with other investors in your portfolio companies. Create operational value as a board member of your portfolio companies (develop markets, check cost structures, strategy review, HR, etc.). Identify and mitigate risks for the company. Support funding processes. Protect Air Liquide interests during refinancing rounds. Bring added-value for the Air Liquide group (synergies with startups, partnerships, etc.). Find and implement the best exit strategy (IPO, trade sale etc.). Work with various business models for emerging startups and markets. Work with Venture Capital & Startup ecosystems.
__________________
Are you a MATCH?
  • Minimum Education: Master's degree in Industrial Innovation or Chemical Engineering.
  • Minimum Experience: 5 years of startup ecosystem experience with operational management, financial transactions (Corporate Finance, M&A), business development or internal audit.
  • Special requirements: May telecommute.
  • Travel requirements: 20% domestic and international travel required.
  • Worksite: 200 GBC Drive, Newark, DE 19702. ***May telecommute. ***

PLEASE NOTE: American Air Liquide Inc. will not accept resumes from third party vendors. Any resumes received from an agency through this website will be considered free of any fees or changes.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Everyone will be considered for employment, promotions, transfers, and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disabilities, age, Vietnam era veteran status, disabled veteran status, separated veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, other protected veterans, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law.
Our Differences make our Performance
At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.

What Air Liquide employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply