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Director Innovation Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The Program Director - Transit and Rail, Cooperative Research Program (CRP) provides senior-level ... innovation through objective, evidence-based research and convenes experts from government ...

The Safety Director provides strategic leadership for safety, focusing on people, planning, and ... Identify and drive continuous improvement through data, field feedback, and innovation, including ...

The Safety Director provides strategic leadership for safety, focusing on people, planning, and ... Identify and drive continuous improvement through data, field feedback, and innovation, including ...

Brand Director, BuzzBallz

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$170K - $255K/yr

/Responsibilities The Brand Director, BuzzBallz is the senior brand leader and thought partner to ... Lead the global innovation strategy and portfolio architecture, defining the innovation framework ...

Director of Operations

Graham, KY · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

... innovation to the development of mission-critical energetic systems supporting defense and space ... We are seeking a Director of Operations to lead a growing energetics manufacturing site and scale ...

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Director Innovation information

See Kentucky salary details

$29.1K

$102K

$169.8K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for director innovation in Kentucky is $102,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $136,400.00 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 in the Director Innovation position, and why are they important?

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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Innovation jobs in Kentucky? For Director Innovation jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Director Innovation jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Director Innovation job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Innovation job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,035 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Director of Bakery Science & Innovation

Dawn Foods

Louisville, KY • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Dawn Foods rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 434 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Dawn Foods is a global leader in bakery manufacturing and ingredients distribution. As the partner of choice for inspiring bakery success, we helpcustomers grow their business through meaningful partnerships, research-driven insights and innovations, and products and expertise they can depend on. As a family-owned company, our commitments to our people, products, customers, and corporate values, are all part of our recipe for success.Why work for Dawn Foods?PEOPLE. PRODUCTS. CUSTOMERS.Why should you apply? We invest in you!Industry-leading health insurance on Day 1!Competitive Pay401(K) + company match10 Paid Company HolidaysPaid Time OffProfessional trainingFamily-owned business over 100 years in serviceAn opportunity for career advancement, working as part of an empowering workforceJob Purpose and OverviewThis position is responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of key Bakery Science and Packaging Engineering activities within Dawn Foods as well as the execution of long-term Regional Innovation. In addition, this role will be expected to coordinate with the Global Innovation team to ensure that North America is participating in the right Global Innovation projects as well as aware of what innovations are being worked in the other regions (Europe and LATAM) and create prioritization for what can be leveraged back to NA.This role is expected to help transform Dawn?s understanding of the science of baking, ingredient science, processing capabilities, as well as the interaction between ingredients and equipment. This should be focused on creating value through this scientific understanding, allowing us to create a competitive advantage in the market. This position is also responsible for the supervision and development of several food scientists and packaging engineers. This is a hybrid position based in either Jackson, Michigan or Louisville, Kentucky, with up to 20% travel required. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates based on business needs and eligibility.What You?ll Do as a Director of Bakery Science and Innovation at Dawn Foods? Leads the long-term product and packaging innovation process for Dawn North America.Develop new methods and tools to enhance and integrate emerging technologies into new and existing products creating meaningful differentiation in the market.Proven leadership, communication, and diplomacy skills necessary to effect evolutionary change in Dawn.Developed people leader who motivates teams and individuals.Solid business acumen to be able to translate technology possibilities into opportunities for Dawn.Creates and maintains methods for establishing project priorities, defining metrics, and tracking project progress.Maintains and evaluates a comprehensive list of innovation opportunities and technology advancements.Provides guidance and support for team members? development including individual development plans and performance reviews.Creates accountability around solid scientific processes with the ability to teach these to other functions.Ability to enhance the Science of Baking at Dawn and scientific understanding of our ingredients and processes.Ability to work cross-functionally to aid in a variety of projects (quality issues, capital execution, supply chain constraints, cost reduction opportunities) using solid scientific understanding and processes to allow for non-obvious solutions.Ability to understand and leverage the interaction between our capital equipment, manufacturing processes, and ingredients to control finished product outputs, quality, and performance.Understand and promote the philosophies and policies of Dawn Food Products, Inc. supporting the Circle of Excellence.Other duties or assignments as needed.What Does It Take to be a Director of Bakery Science and Innovation at Dawn Foods? Below are the minimum qualifications to be a fit for this job. A bachelor?s degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 8+ years of relevant experience-or-Master?s degree in food science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 6+ years of relevant experience-or-PhD in Food Science, Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar disciplines and 4+ years of relevant experience.Proven track record with a minimum of 2 years in people management (developing, coaching, mentoring, directing) and budget management.Experience with using a full range of statistical and analytical tools and fundamentals.Ability to be self-directed, forward-thinking, and make complex decisions that drive business performance.The ability to leverage external networks to build a pipeline of emerging technologies.High level of business acumen to understand which technologies apply to Dawn and how to create meaningful value through these technologies.Demonstratable ability in sound scientific processesExperience in Processing R&D and the interaction between ingredients and processing technology and its impact on finished goods performance.Experience in ingredient technology and/or processing is desired.Working in B2B, CPG, or other food background desired.Physical Demands & Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The normal setting for this job is an office environment or work-from-home office with up to 20% travel.Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).Required to use motor coordination with arm, hand, finger, and leg dexterity.Ability to participate in virtual meetings and in-person collaboration as needed.Note: The level of physical effort may vary from site to site and in some cases be greater or lesser than documented hereIf this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply. About Our BenefitsDawn is proud to employ the top talent in the baking industry, and we reward our people with comprehensive health and well-being coverage, competitive compensation packages, and award-winning benefit offerings. We also help protect your future financial health with a generous 401(k) matching program that provides additional retirement funds and many tools and resources on financial wellness. Dawn encourages professional growth through tuition assistance and educational programs, and we are always searching for ways to improve our industry-leading services and benefits.Compensation:Base Salary $124,750 - $212,070 with bonus potential#LI-CJ1 #HybridAn Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other status or condition that is protected by applicable law.Requisition ID: 38133

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