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Director Innovation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Director, AI Innovation

Corona, CA · On-site

$270K - $310K/yr

As the Sr. Director, AI Innovation, you will define the long-term AI (Artificial Intelligence) vision, drive enterprise-wide transformation through high-impact, high-visibility AI initiatives.

Showing results 41-60

Director Innovation information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$115.9K

$192.9K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director innovation in California is $115,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $154,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of innovation do?

A Director of Innovation leads an organization's efforts to develop and implement new ideas, technologies, and strategies that drive growth and competitive advantage. They research market trends, foster a culture of innovation, and collaborate with teams to bring new products, services, or processes to life. Their role involves strategic planning, identifying opportunities for innovation, and managing projects that enhance business performance.

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

To thrive as a Director of Innovation, you need expertise in strategic planning, product development, and business analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management tools, innovation frameworks, and data analytics platforms is highly beneficial. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and excellent interpersonal communication set standout candidates apart in this position. These capabilities are crucial for effectively driving change, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring the organization remains competitive in a dynamic marketplace.

What are the main challenges a director of innovation typically faces in this role?

A Director of Innovation often deals with balancing the need for creative, out-of-the-box thinking with the practical requirements of business viability and risk management. Navigating resistance to change and securing stakeholder buy-in across different departments can be significant challenges. The role usually involves managing cross-functional teams and building bridges between R&D, marketing, and operations to drive projects forward. Being able to translate visionary ideas into actionable initiatives, while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, is essential for long-term success in this position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Innovation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Innovation jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Director Innovation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Director Innovation job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Innovation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $115,942 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Director Brand Strategy & Innovation

STARCO BRANDS INC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120 - $500/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Location: Los Angeles, CA 90038 Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $500,000.00 Salary/year

We are seeking an entrepreneurial, strategic, and highly innovative brand leader to drive the development of breakthrough consumer brands, products, and innovation platforms across our growing portfolio.

This role will lead the development and commercialization of a new gut health and personalized wellness platform.

The ideal candidate combines world-class brand building with deep knowledge of supplements, functional nutrition, digital health, and modern consumer marketing. They understand how category-defining wellness brands are built and know what separates companies that become household names from those that disappear.

This person will serve as the central project leader across product development, branding, diagnostics, digital experiences, marketing, scientific partnerships, retail commercialization, and consumer engagement.

Primary ResponsibilitiesBrand Strategy
  • Lead the creation of a Gut Health platform and long-term innovation roadmap.
  • Develop a comprehensive ecosystem spanning daily gut health supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber products, colon cleansing, digestive wellness, functional nutrition, and personalized health recommendations.
  • Develop compelling consumer positioning and messaging.
  • Identify emerging trends before they become mainstream.
Product Innovation
  • Lead development of an integrated wellness platform, at-home stool/saliva/blood testing, personalized reports, AI-powered health coach, mobile app, and subscription programs.
  • Work closely with R&D, regulatory, scientific advisors, laboratory partners, operations, and manufacturing from concept through commercialization.
Brand Creation
  • Own product naming, packaging architecture, label design, brand identity, visual language, creative direction, photography, retail presentation, digital merchandising, and website experience.
  • Possess exceptional taste and understanding of premium consumer branding.
Consumer Marketing
  • Develop integrated marketing strategies across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, influencer partnerships, podcasts, creator marketing, community building, email, subscription marketing, retail activation, and digital advertising.
  • Understand what content performs organically and how consumers discover emerging wellness brands.
Competitive Intelligence
  • Maintain deep knowledge of gut health, functional nutrition, supplements, diagnostics, consumer health technology, emerging ingredients, clinical research, retail trends, fundraising, acquisitions, and successful exits.
Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Coordinate Product Development, R&D, Regulatory, Marketing, Creative, Operations, Sales, E-commerce, Finance, Executive Leadership, external laboratories, technology partners, design agencies, timelines, accountability, and execution.
QualificationsDesired Qualifications
  • 8–15+ years building consumer wellness or nutrition brands.
  • Experience in supplements, nutraceuticals, functional foods, protein, meal replacement, gut health, digestive wellness, or consumer health.
  • Demonstrated success launching consumer products.
  • Strong branding, packaging, omnichannel, agency management, and project management experience.
Preferred Experience

Experience with brands such as Supergut, AG1, Seed, Ritual, Thorne, Huel, Athletic Greens, Olipop, Poppi, Pendulum, Viome, Levels, Zoe, InsideTracker, Eight Sleep, and WHOOP. Experience with diagnostic labs, digital health, AI-driven health platforms, or personalized nutrition businesses is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

Equal parts brand builder, product innovator, consumer marketer, wellness expert, trend forecaster, creative director, project manager, and entrepreneur with exceptional consumer instincts and commercial judgment.

Success in the First 12 Months
  • Build the strategic roadmap for a new Gut Health platform.
  • Launch a digestive wellness portfolio.
  • Establish laboratory and digital health partnerships.
  • Oversee Health Coach mobile experience.
  • Create premium packaging and brand identity.
  • Coordinate commercialization across e-commerce, Amazon, retail, and subscriptions.
  • Position brand as a leader in personalized gut health.
Benefits & Perks
  • 100% Employer Paid Health, Dental and Vision benefits
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance and Disability benefits
  • Wellness, Phone, and Internet allowances
  • Professional Development/Education and Home Office allowances
  • 401(k) and Employer Match
  • Competitive salary
  • Flexible PTO
  • Flexible WFH hours (Hybrid Position)
  • Employee Product Discounts
  • And More
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