Digital Innovation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $158,700.08 - $222,180.54 Annually
Location : City of Long Beach, CA
Job Type: Unclassified - Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: HDE25-011
Department: Harbor - (UC)
Division: HARBOR-COMML SVCS-INFO MGMT
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING A
MANAGER OF DIGITAL INNOVATION
Salary Range: $158,700.085 - $222,180.536
(This is an at-will position)
ABOUT US
The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, serves as an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with facilitating approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a vital hub for international commerce and is a major transportation hub. East Asia trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a significant economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit both the region and the country as a whole.
THE TEAM
The Information Management (IT/IM) Division at the Port of Long Beach is a vibrant core team of technology professionals managing multiple third party vendors, backed by an impressive annual budget of $44.9 million. This dynamic division is the heartbeat of the Port's information ecosystem, responsible for shaping and safeguarding all aspects of data and technology management. At the core of our mission, the IM Division ensures that accurate, transformative data fuels our innovation, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship goals. We harness cutting-edge digital technologies to turn raw data into actionable insights and institutional knowledge, driving our strategic 2050 vision forward.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Manager of Digital Innovation plays a pivotal role in driving the Information Management (IT) Division's vision for a modern, forward-thinking organization. This position leads the development and execution of an enterprise-wide digital and process strategy, shaping how new technologies and workflows are designed, implemented, and scaled. By establishing best-in-class digital and technology portfolio management practices, the Manager ensures initiatives deliver measurable value. With a strong focus on practical, human-centered AI and other emerging technologies, this role champions innovative solutions that boost internal efficiency, streamline interactions with business and stakeholders, and provide actionable insights to anticipate and meet the Port's evolving medium- and long-term needs.
CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)
To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT via MicrosoftTeams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. Click here to join the meeting.
To join audio-only, call +1 323-451-1087. Phone Conference ID: 613 902 006# . Please note that the PowerPoint presentation will not be visible to participants joining the audio-only meeting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Collaborate with the CIO and Information Management (IM) functions to enable and deliver medium and long-term forward leaning Port digital capabilities aligned with the Port's enterprise strategy.
• Develop and maintain IM's Digital, Innovation, and Process strategy, incorporating emerging technologies such as human-centric AI-driven productivity tools and Low-Code/No-Code platforms.
• Define business and technical requirements for digital solutions, including automated data capture, and communicate them to business stakeholders.
• Engage CIO leadership to evaluate and apply forward-thinking digital needs, specifically addressing how emerging technology trends can be applied in an ethical and human centered manner.
• Manage digital research and innovation efforts, identifying scalable solutions while distinguishing between "hype' experimental trends and practical applications. Drive proven process transformation while ensuring the alignment of Information Management's vision with Port's business strategy.
• Effectively manage the delivery of a variety of enterprise-wide digital portfolios; ensuring effective delivery, governance, and alignment with business objectives.
• Analyze and improve upon innovative program delivery methodologies and relationship management standards.
• Develop and manage new ideas, driving Proof of Concepts (POCs) initiatives to evaluate new technologies and accelerate innovation adoption.
• Work with other IM functions to assist in forecasting the Port's business needs by leveraging data-driven insights and predictive modeling.
• Manage vendor and consultant relationships to deliver digital transformation programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:
Educational Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, Information Technology, or a related discipline is required. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the position's duties may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 (five) years of experience in the following areas:
  • AI Human Centered Proficiency: Working knowledge of emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in a business context, including the use of advanced language and automation capabilities to enhance human productivity, as well as data-driven techniques to support forecasting and decision-making.
  • Emerging Tech Trends: Understanding of realistically deployable trends including process automation, connected systems for asset tracking, and digital modeling concepts to support operational optimization and land use planning.
  • Working knowledge of ITIL business processes in general and the capacity management process in particular. Working knowledge of IT service management frameworks and best practices, including capacity planning and the ability to align technology services with evolving business demand.
  • Software Proficiency: Requires a high level of proficiency in standard tools engaging modern technologies in addition to general enterprise productivity and collaboration tools including MS Office MS Project, and Power BI, and other related applications.
  • AI Toolsets: Familiarity with current and emerging enterprise AI-enabled tools and platforms that support productivity, content generation, analytics, and decision support across business functions.
  • Portfolio Management Tools: Familiarity with PPM tools and project methodologies used to track enterprise-wide programs and initiatives.
• A minimum of 3 (three) years of direct supervisory experience.

DESIRABLE:

• A Master's Degree in Computer Science, Business, Information Technology, or related discipline is highly desirable.
• Possession of the following professional certifications is favorable: Program or Project Management Professional and Information Technology Information Library (PgMP or PMP and ITIL)
• Experience in managing consulting with experience in managing vendors is preferred.
• Experience in agile project and program management and/or technical design and implementation is desired.
• Prior Port, innovative product, logistics, transportation, or supply chain experience is desired.

You will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relation skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills to thrive. You must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume as separate PDF files with your application. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.
Individuals who are most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to further evaluate their qualifications. First and second-round panel interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026 and week of September 28, 2026. Candidates should ensure they are available both weeks. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent upon the completion of a comprehensive background check.
The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
If you require accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please contact (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com
The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/.
THE BENEFITS:
The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $158,700.85 - $222,180.53. An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included, with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port's generous benefits package includes:

• Auto Allowance - $550.00 per month
• Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with Social Security. Current member contributions are 8.00% for CalPERS and 6.2% for Social Security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes up to 5% of the base salary for all qualified members contributing to the 457(b) plan.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement into cash credits toward health and/or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Bereavement Leave - 5 days for the death or critical illness of an immediate family member.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at the city's expense through the city-provided program.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university, or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
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