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Director Innovation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Stellar Industries Inc

IT Director

Garner, IA · On-site

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

Stellar Industries

IT Director

Garner, IA · On-site

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

UnityPoint Health

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 ...

The Schippers Group

Director Swine Division

Davenport, IA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

# Director Swine Division* Advice & Sales* Full-time* Higher Professional Education* Iowa, United ... Translate on-farm and market insights into actionable business innovation* Represent Schippers USA ...

UnityPoint Health

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 ...

Stellar Industries, Inc

IT Director

Garner, IA · On-site

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

Yellow Brick Road

Regional Director

Ankeny, IA · On-site

The Regional Director plays a crucial leadership role, overseeing multiple schools within a ... Promote innovation and best practices that enhance child outcomes. Facilities & Environment ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsInnovation JobsDirector Innovation JobsDirector Innovation Jobs in Iowa

Director Innovation information

See Iowa salary details

$31.5K

$110.3K

$183.6K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Director Innovation jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Innovation jobs in Iowa are:

Director Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Innovation job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,345 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Regional Director of Operations

Lunchtime Solutions

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Lunchtime Solutions rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

63rd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Regional Director of Operations
This position is a remote position based in our current operating footprint in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Missouri. Travel required based on business needs.
Lead Leaders. Drive Growth. Deliver Excellence.
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success is built on Integrity, Teamwork, Passion, Customer Focus, and Excellence. We are seeking a strategic Regional Director of Operations to lead a portfolio of school food service operations through the development and support of our Area Director team.
This leadership role focuses on developing high-performing leaders, driving financial and operational success, strengthening customer relationships, and identifying opportunities to grow and enhance school nutrition programs. Rather than solving day-to-day operational issues, the Regional Director empowers Area Directors to lead effectively, achieve results, and build strong partnerships with schools.
What You'll Do
Develop Leaders
  • Coach, mentor, and develop Area Directors to achieve operational, financial, and leadership goals.
  • Foster accountability, succession planning, and talent development.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, USDA regulations, and company expectations.

Drive Operational & Financial Performance
  • Lead achievement of regional sales, participation, gross margin, and profitability goals.
  • Analyze KPIs and financial results to identify opportunities, risks, and improvement strategies.
  • Support Area Directors in creating and executing action plans that drive results.

Strengthen Customer Relationships
  • Support customer retention through strong partnerships and proactive problem-solving.
  • Assist with contract renewals, RFPs, and strategic customer discussions.
  • Ensure programs meet customer needs while maintaining financial sustainability.

Identify Growth Opportunities
  • Partner with Area Directors to implement value-added programs that enhance the student experience and increase participation.
  • Evaluate opportunities for menu innovation, technology, operational improvements, and program growth.
  • Support business development and startup readiness within the region.

Lead Continuous Improvement
  • Identify trends, best practices, and operational efficiencies across the region.
  • Collaborate with Finance, HR, Culinary, Purchasing, Sales, and other departments to drive success.
  • Champion innovation and improvements that strengthen our operations and customer experience.

What You Bring to the Team
  • Proven multi-unit operational leadership experience with strong financial and business acumen
  • Excellent leadership, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience managing through leaders and developing high-performing teams.
  • Ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned region.
  • Minimum 5 years of regional operations experience
  • 7-10 years of relevant experience in food service management or related field
  • Associate's degree required, bachelor's degree preferred.

Why You'll Love Working With Us
  • Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday-Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent at work.
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
  • Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
  • Invest in your health with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members.

Our Values
At Lunchtime Solutions, our success comes from team members who:
  • Take pride in what you do
  • Focus on customer success
  • Be a person of integrity
  • Drive to improve
  • Do it with passion
  • Express gratitude
  • Work as a team
  • Pursue lasting partnerships
  • Embrace a healthy work-life balance

If these values resonate with you, we'd love to meet you!
Lunchtime Solutions performs post offer background investigations prior to starting employment with our company. This background investigation may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: criminal convictions and DMV record if appropriate for the position.
Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet. View Policy

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