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Director Innovation Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Amcor

Marketing Director

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

Prioritize R&D programs and ensure an appropriately balanced pipeline across near, medium, and long term innovation * Mentor and develop direct reports * Set strategy and oversee negotiations with ...

Amcor plc

Marketing Director

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

Prioritize R&D programs and ensure an appropriately balanced pipeline across near, medium, and long term innovation * Mentor and develop direct reports * Set strategy and oversee negotiations with ...

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All JobsInnovation JobsDirector Innovation JobsDirector Innovation Jobs in Appleton, WI

Director Innovation information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$32.7K

$114.6K

$190.8K

How much do director innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director innovation in Appleton, WI is $114,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $153,200.00 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 job categories do people searching Director Innovation jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Innovation jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Director Innovation jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Director Innovation job openings:

Director Innovation jobs near you

Sales Director

Little Rapids Corporation

Green Bay, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Sales Director

Wisconsin-based | Travel as needed, approximately 25%

At Rapids Paper + Packaging, a Little Rapids Corporation Company, we’re redefining what’s possible in packaging. Our ECOVA™ platform is a recyclable, paper-based alternative to traditional plastic films—engineered to deliver performance, scalability, and sustainability without compromise.

As regulatory pressures rise and brands accelerate efforts to eliminate plastics in packaging, ECOVA is positioned at the forefront of change.

We are seeking a Sales Director to lead the growth and market adoption of this innovative platform. The ideal candidate will thrive in building markets, creating customer demand, and commercializing innovative packaging solutions.

Why This Role is Different

This is not traditional packaging sales.

You will:

  • Lead growth of a category-defining conversion from plastic to paper-based packaging
  • Partner with customers to replace conventional plastic packaging at scale
  • Navigate technical, operational, and sustainability-driven buying decisions
  • Drive longer-cycle, high-impact solution adoption

What You’ll Do

Drive Market Adoption & Revenue Growth

  • Identify, develop, and win new opportunities for ECOVA™ across target markets
  • Build and manage a robust pipeline focused on conversion from plastic to paper-based packaging
  • Expand strategic accounts through new applications, products, and solutions

Lead Solution-Based Selling

  • Partner with customers to evaluate feasibility, performance, and conversion pathways
  • Support trial, qualification, and commercialization efforts
  • Position ECOVA against evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements

Build Strategic Relationships

  • Establish trusted relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders
  • Lead negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract development
  • Represent Rapids at industry events, trade shows, and customer engagements

Lead & Develop a Sales Team

  • Build and shape a high-performing commercial team while establishing the processes and customer focus needed to scale growth
  • Align team priorities with strategic market opportunities
  • Drive accountability and performance

Shape Strategy with Market Insight

  • Monitor market trends, customer behavior, and competitive activity
  • Translate insights into actionable growth strategies and forecasts
  • Maintain visibility into key opportunities and risks across the portfolio

Collaborate Across the Business

  • Partner cross-functionally with operations, R&D, and marketing to deliver solutions
  • Align sales strategies with manufacturing capabilities and innovation pipelines
  • Support continuous improvement and evolution of the sales process

What You Bring

  • 5+ years of sales leadership experience, including team management
  • Experience in flexible packaging, paper, film, or adjacent manufacturing industries
  • Proven track record of driving growth and winning new business
  • Strong background in consultative or solution-based selling
  • Experience navigating complex sales cycles with technical stakeholders
  • Exposure to sustainability-driven products, packaging innovation, or material conversion strongly preferred

Key Strengths

  • Strategic Thinking – Sees beyond individual deals to shape long-term growth
  • Business Acumen – Understands financial drivers and market dynamics
  • Influence & Negotiation – Drives outcomes while building lasting partnerships
  • Problem Solving – Navigates complexity and removes barriers to adoption
  • Communication – Clearly articulates value across technical and business audiences
  • Leadership – Develops talent and drives team performance

Why Join Rapids Paper + Packaging?

  • Be part of a family-owned company with deep expertise in paper, printing, and packaging
  • Work on a platform designed to replace plastics in packaging with recyclable alternatives
  • Help customers meet sustainability goals and evolving regulatory demands
  • Play a visible role in shaping the future of packaging innovation

Apply Today

If you’re a strategic sales leader who thrives on driving change, building markets, and delivering growth—we’d love to connect.