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External Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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External Innovation information

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$60K

$94.7K

$131.5K

How much do external innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for external innovation in the United States is $94,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is external innovation?

External innovation refers to the process where organizations seek new ideas, technologies, or partnerships from outside their own company to drive growth and stay competitive. This can involve collaborating with startups, universities, research institutions, or other companies to access fresh perspectives and expertise. By leveraging external resources, businesses can accelerate product development, expand into new markets, and reduce risks associated with innovation. External innovation is often part of a broader open innovation strategy, emphasizing collaboration beyond traditional organizational boundaries.

How does an external innovation professional typically collaborate with internal teams to drive successful partnerships and projects?

External Innovation professionals work closely with various internal stakeholders, such as R&D, product management, legal, and business development teams, to identify needs and evaluate potential external partners. They facilitate communication between internal decision-makers and external organizations, ensuring alignment on goals, timelines, and deliverables. This role often involves coordinating cross-functional meetings, managing due diligence processes, and translating external opportunities into actionable internal projects. Effective collaboration is key to integrating external innovations smoothly and maximizing value for the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in external innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive in External Innovation, you need a strong background in business development, market analysis, and scientific or technical expertise relevant to your industry, often supported by a degree in business, science, or engineering. Familiarity with innovation management tools, intellectual property systems, and platforms for scouting emerging technologies is highly valuable. Exceptional networking, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills set top performers apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for successfully identifying, evaluating, and integrating external opportunities that drive organizational growth and competitiveness.

What is the difference between External Innovation vs R&D Specialist?

AspectExternal InnovationR&D Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in business, innovation management, or related fieldsRequires a degree in engineering, science, or related technical disciplines
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with external partners, startups, and innovation hubsWorks primarily within R&D departments of companies or labs
Industry UsageCommon in industries focusing on open innovation and external partnershipsFound in industries with in-house research and development teams
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving external collaboration and innovation strategyCompared for technical research and product development roles

External Innovation focuses on leveraging external partners and open innovation strategies, while R&D Specialists conduct internal research and development. Both roles are vital for innovation but differ in their approach and environment.

More about External Innovation jobs

What cities are hiring for External Innovation jobs?

Cities with the most External Innovation job openings:

What states have the most External Innovation jobs?

States with the most job openings for External Innovation jobs include:

Infographic showing various External Innovation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,742 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

VP / Sr. Director Corporate Development and External Innovation, North America.

Summit, NJ β€’ On-site

Pioneer Data
Recruiting and Staffing ServicesΒ β€’Β 51 - 200 employees

Contractor

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Details:
Our client, a world-leading Pharmaceutical Company in Summit, NJ is currently looking for a VP Corporate Development and External Innovation, North America to join their expanding team.
 
Position 1:
Job Title: VP Corporate Development and External Innovation, North America
Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 24 Months
Location: Summit, NJ 
Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
 
Note:
The client has the right-to-hire you as a permanent employee at any time during or after the end of the contract.
You may participate in the company group medical insurance plan

Job Description:
VP Corporate Development and External Innovation, North America
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
 
Description:
M&A strategy, target identification, and transaction execution (buy/sell, JV, minority)
Financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring
Strategic fit and synergy assessment aligned to enterprise priorities
Executive and Board-level communication and decision support
Cross-functional leadership of diligence, integration, and separation
Post-merger value capture, integration governance, and performance tracking
External relationship management (bankers, investors, legal, PE)
15+ years of experience; BA degree required
 
Position 2:
Job Title: Sr. Director - Corporate Development, International
Duration: 12 months contract, extendable up to 24 Months
Location: Summit, NJ 
Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
 
Job Description:
Sr. Director - Corporate Development, International
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
 
Description:
M&A strategy, target identification, and transaction execution (buy/sell, JV, minority)
Financial modeling, valuation, and deal structuring
Strategic fit and synergy assessment aligned to enterprise priorities
Executive and Board-level communication and decision support
Cross-functional leadership of diligence, integration, and separation
Post-merger value capture, integration governance, and performance tracking
External relationship management (bankers, investors, legal, PE)
10+ years of experience; BA degree required