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Director Innovation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Director Product Innovation

Eden Prairie, MN ยท On-site

$153K - $192K/yr

The Director Product Innovation provides oversight to the operations of the Protein Applications Center and serves Agropur Ingredients as the technical expert in whey-derived ingredients. This role ...

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Director Innovation information

See Minnesota salary details

$32.8K

$115.1K

$191.5K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for director innovation in Minnesota is $115,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $153,800.00 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 Minnesota? The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Director Innovation jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Director Innovation job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Innovation job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,061 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Director Product Innovation

Agropur Cooperative

Eden Prairie, MN โ€ข On-site

$153.70 - $192.10/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

## Director Product InnovationApplylocations: USA Minnesota Eden Prairietime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR33533## **Job Type:**RegularPeople are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyoneโ€™s impact truly matters.*At Agropur, each role aims to generate value and have a tangible impact on collective performance.*## ## **Context to maximize your impact:*** **Salary range 008: $153,700 - $192,100**(Salary will be determined based on skills, education, training & experience related to the position.)* Work Schedule: Monday-Friday* Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance* 401(k) with 7% company contributions* 3 weeks Paid Time Off* Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays* Paid parental leave* Advancement Opportunities## ## ## **Where you will drive value:**We are looking for a **Director Product Innovation** in **Eden Prairie, MN**.The Director Product Innovation provides oversight to the operations of the Protein Applications Center and serves Agropur Ingredients as the technical expert in whey-derived ingredients. This role provides direction to the product development activities using Agropurโ€™s ingredient portfolio, guiding the sales team with innovative ideas, and trouble-shooting customer challenges.* Manage direct reports, including hiring, providing annual reviews, training opportunities, project management, experimental design, coaching, guidance in travel for customer visits, plant trials, effectiveness of communication, collaboration and outlining succession management activities as needed.* Provide leadership to keep the team members engaged, motivated, informed, and well trained to meet the current and future needs of Agropur.* Provide guidance to the team members in product development to match the evolving market needs and consumer preferences.* Integrate with sales team to understand customer and product development needs in various geographical areas.* Participate in dialog with customers to explore innovations and offer support.* Collaborate with marketing to provide technical leadership.* Identify and nurture relationships with academic experts who can provide support to Agropurโ€™s ingredient research.## **What will enable you to have an impact:*** Masterโ€™s Degree in Food Science or related field required.* Ph.D. in Food Science or related field preferred.* Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.* Five plus (5+) years of experience in product development with proteins, preferably milk-derived proteins, required.* Three plus (3+) years of experience in people management or supervisory responsibilities required.*This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.***A role aligned with what creates the greatest collective impact.**#CH-1## *AA/EEO โ€“ Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity**Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins. We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants. We will work with candidates who request accommodation. Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.*Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.*In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.*Text key word ''**Agropur'**' to 608-564-5884 **to apply by SMS**! #J-18808-Ljbffr