Vice President, International Business Development - ILIA Beauty

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President of International Business Development to lead and expand our global presence. This role will be responsible for driving international growth, forging strategic partnerships, and identifying new business opportunities across global markets. The VP will collaborate with senior leadership to align international growth strategies with overall company objectives and lead a high-performing team focused on delivering exceptional results in key international regions, with an initial focus in Europe and the Middle East.

A successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset and a genuine passion for the beauty industry, combined with a strong understanding of international markets. Strong business acumen, cultural awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build relationships across diverse regions and cultures will be key to driving success in this role. Experience in prestige beauty with an understanding of the beauty landscape across international markets, including Sephora, department store, d2c and key regional wholesale accounts is essential.

This role is hybrid and open to candidates based in Los Angeles, CA.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive international business development strategy to drive market expansion and revenue growth in new and existing markets.
2. Identify and assess new global market opportunities, including emerging regions, to increase brand presence and share in the beauty industry.
3. Lead market analysis efforts to evaluate trends, consumer preferences, competitive landscapes, and regulatory environments in international markets.

Partnership & Relationship Management:

1. Establish and maintain strong relationships with international partners, distributors, retailers, and key industry stakeholders to strengthen the brand’s global presence.
2. Negotiate and secure high-value contracts and partnerships that align with the company’s strategic objectives and business goals.
3. Oversee cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution of partnerships, from product launches to marketing campaigns and distribution strategies.

Revenue Growth & Performance:

1. Drive revenue growth in international markets through the identification and implementation of strategic business initiatives.
2. Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for international business development, ensuring alignment with revenue targets and profitability goals.
3. Implement best practices in sales, distribution, and marketing to accelerate revenue generation and enhance market penetration.
4. Develop 5 year plan to build international brand presence to be an important pillar for growth and profitability. Understanding of key steps and priorities required to manage expansion complexities and ensure sales and finance objects are met and/or exceeded.

Team Leadership & Development:

1. Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing international business development team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.
2. Provide ongoing coaching and development to team members, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry standards.
3. Champion diversity and inclusion within the team while ensuring global perspectives are incorporated into business strategies.

Brand Expansion:

1. Collaborate closely with the marketing, product development, and operations teams to ensure product offerings are tailored to meet international market needs, preferences, and trends.
2. Drive brand awareness and penetration through innovative market entry strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

1. Partner with internal stakeholders across functions such as marketing, supply chain, and legal to ensure smooth and efficient execution of international initiatives.
2. Provide leadership in the development of go-to-market strategies that are in line with international regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and brand positioning.
3. Influence and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure international priorities are understood and achieved.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience in business development or strategic partnerships with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role within beauty or related consumer goods industry sector, on an international scale.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field preferred.
3. Proven track record of successfully launching brands internationally and achieving significant revenue growth and profitability targets.
4. Deep understanding of global beauty industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics.
5. Strong negotiation skills with experience in securing high-value, complex international deals.
6. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to inspire and manage a global team.
7. Ability to navigate complex international regulatory landscapes and adapt strategies to meet market-specific needs.
8. Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for the beauty industry and a deep understanding of international markets.
9. Culturally aware and adaptable, with a global perspective and the ability to build relationships across diverse cultures and regions.
10. Strong business acumen, with a results-driven focus and the ability to lead high-impact initiatives.

What we would like to offer...

1. $230,000-270,000 annually*
2. Bonus Opportunity
3. Health Benefits - 100% employer-paid medical, dental & vision coverage
4. Flex Time Off - No cap on personal time off and paid company holidays
5. Seasonal Flex Days - Flexible scheduling to enjoy extra time under the sun during the Spring & Summer season
6. Parental Leave - Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
7. 401(k) - Save for your future with a 401(k) with a company match
8. Flexibility & Wellness Stipends - Monthly stipends to support remote work & self-care
9. Hybrid Work Model - Find your flow, working from home or from one of our offices
10. ILIA Products - Quarterly stipend to replenish your favorite products and try new ones

*This is the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will carefully consider a few factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

About ILIA

ILIA makes clean skin-centric beauty. We see skincare and makeup as one and believe that skin should look like skin. With transparency as our guide and color as our vehicle, we challenge the conventions of clean beauty to create something radically new, through safe, groundbreaking formulas that protect + revive the skin. Headquartered in Laguna Beach, California, ILIA brings together a strong group of innovative thinkers, rule-breakers and creative problem solvers. We pave the way forward as the leading clean makeup brand in what is being called the Clean Beauty Revolution. Fast paced growth provides constant learning, collaborative teamwork, and the desire to be the best at what you do. We celebrate taking risks and doing what hasn’t been done before.