ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Open Innovation Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

ITW Pro Brands

Operations Director

Olathe, KS

$142K - $237K/yr

... an open environment where innovation can thrive. * Trust : relying on employees to uphold the ... The Director of Operations, in partnership with the Plant Managers, will have overall ...

Cedarhurst

Director of Sales

Manhattan, KS · On-site

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where ... Cedarhurst of Manhattan is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. The anticipated start date for this ...

Coegi

Director of Project Management

Kansas City, KS · Hybrid

Open position in all Coegi office locations including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis MO ... Own the AI strategy for the Project Management function in partnership with Marketing & Innovation.

KVC Health Systems

Clinical Director

Hays, KS · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Clinical Director - $5,000 Sign On Bonus - Full Time * This position is located in Hays, KS - a ... Value collaboration, open communication, and innovation. * Want to be part of a mental health ...

SolvdUS, Inc

Director of Human Resources

Lenexa, KS · On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

... AI innovation, proprietary technology, and expert-led services for insurers, fleets, rental, TPAs ... Own benefits strategy and plan design; partner with the broker on annual open enrollment * Manage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOpen Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation JobsDirector Open Innovation Jobs in Kansas

Director Open Innovation information

See Kansas salary details

$18.5K

$97.5K

$164.2K

How much do director open innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director open innovation in Kansas is $97,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,562.00 and $148,778.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Open Innovation vs Innovation Manager?

AspectDirector Open InnovationInnovation Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Engineering, or related fields; often requires experience in innovation or R&DBachelor's or Master’s in similar fields; focus on project management and innovation processes
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, executive-level interactionsProject execution, team coordination, supporting innovation initiatives
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech firms, and R&D departmentsCommon in corporate innovation teams, startups, and product development units

The main difference is that the Director Open Innovation focuses on strategic leadership and high-level innovation initiatives, while the Innovation Manager handles day-to-day project execution and supports innovation processes. Both roles require relevant credentials and are integral to fostering innovation within organizations, but they differ in scope and seniority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Open Innovation, you need a strong background in innovation management, cross-industry collaboration, and strategic leadership, often supported by an advanced degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with open innovation platforms, intellectual property management systems, and experience with tools for partnership management are typically required. Outstanding relationship-building, negotiation, and change management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are essential to successfully drive external collaborations, accelerate innovation pipelines, and deliver business value through strategic partnerships.

What is a Director of Open Innovation?

A Director of Open Innovation is a senior leader responsible for driving innovation by fostering collaboration between an organization and external partners, such as startups, universities, and research institutions. They create and manage programs that encourage the exchange of ideas, technology, and knowledge to accelerate product development and solve complex business challenges. This role involves identifying strategic partnerships, overseeing innovation projects, and ensuring alignment with the company's goals. The Director of Open Innovation plays a key part in building an innovative culture and expanding the organization's capabilities beyond its internal resources.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Open Innovation when integrating external partnerships into existing company structures?

A Director of Open Innovation often encounters challenges such as aligning external partners' goals with internal business objectives, managing intellectual property concerns, and ensuring smooth communication across different organizational cultures. Successfully integrating new ideas or technologies can require navigating resistance to change within the company and establishing clear processes for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Building trust, setting transparent expectations, and fostering strong internal advocacy are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and maximizing the value of external collaborations.
What are popular job titles related to Director Open Innovation jobs in Kansas? For Director Open Innovation jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Open Innovation jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Director Open Innovation jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Director Open Innovation jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Director Open Innovation job openings:
Director Open Innovation jobs near you

Operations Director

ITW Pro Brands

Olathe, KS

$142K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

Company Overview

The ITW Fluids North America Division is a manufacturer of lubricants, cleaning chemicals, and corrosion preventatives formulated to maximize equipment productivity and product quality for customers. ITW Fluids Division includes five facilities in the United States and is a division of Illinois Tool Works, a Fortune 150 company.  We go to market through B2B with a focus on the automotive, aviation, fabricated metal, food processing and machinery manufacturing market segments. Offering a brand portfolio that is well recognized within these industrial channels, our premium products address customer pain points and our direct sales team provide expert value-added consulting at the customer level. ITW Pro Brands has 250 employees and 4 manufacturing facilities in: Olathe, KS, Tucker, GA, Easton, MD, and DeWitt, IA.

Our Values:

  • Simplicity: focusing on the essential core of each business opportunity, guided by the “80/20” rule to streamline processes, systems and structures.
  • Shared risk: collaborating as a team, taking joint responsibility, and learning from trial and error to drive innovation.
  • Integrity: honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing in all business dealings, regardless of brand and location.
  • Respect: valuing diversity in cultural backgrounds and fostering an open environment where innovation can thrive.
  • Trust: relying on employees to uphold the highest professional standards and act in the company’s best interests.

What We Offer:

ITW’s benefits package is designed to provide comprehensive support for physical, mental, and financial well-being including healthcare, retirement planning, paid leave, wellness programs, and opportunities for charitable involvement.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations provides overall direction, strategy, and planning for the division’s manufacturing facilities.  The Director of Operations, in partnership with the Plant Managers, will have overall responsibility for manufacturing operations at each facility to include manufacturing, shipping/receiving, quality, regulatory, EHS, maintenance, engineering, strategic sourcing and customer service. 

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop team members through coaching, feedback, and performance reviews
  • Promote a strong culture of quality, safety, and environmental compliance
  • Set strategic direction to improve profitability, productivity, and efficiency
  • Define site goals and ensure effective use of resources
  • Build and execute functional strategies and annual plans with site and EHS leaders
  • Partner across teams on innovation and new product development
  • Drive continuous improvement using established tools and practices by championing ITW toolbox initiatives for manufacturing operations.
  • Direct and report on performance against operational metrics: Safety/Cost/ Quality
  • Lead global sourcing efforts to meet division goals
  • Ensure operations meet customer and company quality standards
  • Drive strong customer service performance
  • Oversee major capital projects across facilities
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams for efficient product launches and updates
  • Partner with HR to build culture and support ITW values
  • Encourage communication and collaboration across teams and sites
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Travel: 30-50% for facility visits.

Qualifications / Requirements

  • 10+ years of manufacturing management experience with proven leadership success
  • Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (Mechanical Engineering preferred)
  • Strong knowledge of project management tools and methods
  • Experience managing a full-scale manufacturing operation (formulation to shipping)
  • Familiar with ERP systems, GMP, EHS, regulatory and quality standards
  • Knowledge of inventory management, sourcing, and lean manufacturing
  • Experience overseeing multiple manufacturing sites
  • Skilled in process control, lean practices, and change management
  • Solid understanding of quality systems and customer service practices
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to influence at all levels
  • Proven ability to build teams, develop talent, and manage performance
  • Effective leader who drives results through others
  • Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail
  • Self-directed and able to work independently
  • Strong work ethic

Compensation Information:

$142,500 -$237,500

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 


As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Apply