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Director Innovation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IT Director

Garner, IA · On-site

$180K/yr

Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations Direct Hire | North Iowa | Hybrid (onsite to start ... Lead modernization and innovation of infrastructure and operations, including an active Azure cloud ...

The Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) provides strategic and operational ... Lead modernization and innovation of infrastructure and operations to enhance reliability ...

The Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) provides strategic and operational ... Lead modernization and innovation of infrastructure and operations to enhance reliability ...

The Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) provides strategic and operational ... and innovation of infrastructure and operations to enhance reliability, scalability, and ...

Executive Director-Pharmacy

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $166K/yr

Reporting to the System Executive Director of Pharmacy, this highly visible role serves as the ... Champion innovation and identify opportunities to improve access, efficiency, and the patient ...

Executive Director-Pharmacy

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $166K/yr

Reporting to the System Executive Director of Pharmacy, this highly visible role serves as the ... Champion innovation and identify opportunities to improve access, efficiency, and the patient ...

Executive Director-Pharmacy

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $166K/yr

Reporting to the System Executive Director of Pharmacy, this highly visible role serves as the ... Champion innovation and identify opportunities to improve access, efficiency, and the patient ...

Tourism Director

George, IA · On-site

$128K/yr

JOB OPENING FOR A Tourism Director WITH THE WASHINGTON COUNTY TOURISM DEPARTMENT $128,091.60 ... Drive innovation and results. Identify new and emerging markets, evaluate the impact of marketing ...

New

Tax Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Help shape the future growth of the tax practice through innovation, process improvement, and ... Directors are expected to cultivate trusted client relationships, contribute to business ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Innovation information

See Iowa salary details

$31.5K

$110.3K

$183.6K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director innovation in Iowa is $110,345.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $147,500.00 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Innovation jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Innovation jobs in Iowa? For Director Innovation jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Director Innovation job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,345 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

$180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations
Direct Hire | North Iowa | Hybrid (onsite to start, then 3 days/week)
Relocation Assistance Provided
About the Company
Join a thriving $250M manufacturing company with 350 employees across six locations and an aggressive growth trajectory - targeting $500M in revenue over the next five years. This growth is fueled by strategic acquisitions, and IT is a core enabler of that vision. The company offers a collaborative, employee-owned culture with a strong commitment to technology modernization and long-term leadership development. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
The Role
The Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) provides strategic and operational leadership for the enterprise technology foundation. This role defines and executes the vision for infrastructure, platform services, and IT operations to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable business capabilities. The Director drives modernization, service excellence, and continuous improvement while aligning I&O capabilities with business strategy and future-state needs.
This is a newly created position resulting from company growth - with a clear path to CIO for the right long-term leader.
What You'll Be Responsible For
  • Define and execute the I&O strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise IT and business objectives
  • Lead modernization and innovation of infrastructure and operations, including an active Azure cloud migration across a Microsoft-first environment
  • Oversee IT service management (ITSM), asset management, and approximately 1,000 endpoints across six sites
  • Provide operational support for both IT and OT (operations technology), including robotics and plant floor systems in a manufacturing environment
  • Lead IT infrastructure integration for mergers and acquisitions
  • Ensure high availability, resilience, and disaster recovery readiness across all infrastructure and platforms
  • Partner with security leadership to embed enterprise security practices into all infrastructure and operations activities
  • Own I&O financial management, including budgeting, cost optimization, and vendor/contract governance
  • Build strong stakeholder relationships to ensure services are aligned, cost-effective, and deliver measurable business value
  • Develop and lead a high-performing team of 10, including one IT Manager direct report
  • Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement

Required Experience & Skills
  • Currently at the Director level (or equivalent) in IT infrastructure and operations
  • 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership roles; 3+ years leading strategy, budgeting, and technical teams
  • Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments strongly preferred, including OT/plant floor support
  • Hands-on familiarity with ITSM platforms (TeamDynamix or similar), ERP environments, and Microsoft/Azure ecosystems
  • Proven ability to scale and optimize IT operations in complex, multi-site environments
  • Experience leading or supporting M&A infrastructure integration
  • Strong financial acumen: budgeting, vendor governance, and service delivery performance
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience with AI/ML, automation, or self-service technologies to improve operational efficiency
  • Familiarity with TeamDynamix (ITSM) or Infor (ERP)
  • Prior experience in a CIO succession or enterprise technology leadership pipeline role

Pay & Benefits
  • Base salary: $180,000 - $200,000
  • Annual performance bonus: up to 30%
  • ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan): 30% - build real ownership in the company you help grow
  • Relocation/signing bonus available for candidates outside the area
  • Company-sponsored continuing education

Apply Now!
Director of IT, IT Infrastructure Director, VP of Technology, IT Operations, Infrastructure & Operations, I&O, OT Support, Manufacturing IT, Azure Cloud, Microsoft, ITSM, TeamDynamix, Infor ERP, ERP, Iowa, Mason City, Clear Lake, Direct Hire, ESOP, CIO succession, hybrid, plant floor technology, robotics support, M&A integration, IT leadership