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Director Research Innovation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UTZ Brands, Inc

Director, R&D Innovation

Hanover, PA · On-site

Director, R&D Innovation The Director, R&D Innovation is responsible for leading the product development innovation agenda for Utz Brands products. This role partners with the brand business team ...

Utz Brands, Inc.

Director, R&D Innovation

Hanover, PA · On-site

Director, R&D Innovation The Director, R&D Innovation is responsible for leading the product development innovation agenda for Utz Brands products. This role partners with the brand business team ...

Stryker

Director, Research

Washington, NE

$202K - $337K/yr

Hybrid or Onsite The Director of Research defines the vision for Stryker Emergency Care's Research function, helping advance the science of the field in a way that promotes innovation. Builds and ...

UCI group

$200 - $250/hr

... innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 ... Responsibilities The Director, Research Cyberinfrastructure Center provides overall direction of ...

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Director Research Innovation information

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$57.5K

$191.3K

$230.5K

How much do director research innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research innovation in the United States is $191,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,500.00 and $229,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectDirector Research InnovationResearch Manager
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD, MSc), industry experienceBachelor's or Master's, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-department collaborationProject oversight, team management
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, corporations, innovation labsResearch departments, R&D teams

The main difference is that the Director Research Innovation focuses on setting strategic research directions and fostering innovation, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project management and team coordination. The Director typically has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities, whereas the Research Manager concentrates on executing research projects efficiently.

How to become a director research innovation?

To become a director of research innovation, candidates typically need a strong educational background such as a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field, along with extensive experience in research and development. Leadership skills, strategic thinking, and familiarity with innovation management tools are also important, often complemented by a track record of successful projects and publications.

What does a director research innovation do?

A director of research innovation leads the development and implementation of new research strategies, oversees innovative projects, and manages teams to advance scientific or technological breakthroughs. They often collaborate with cross-functional departments, analyze data, and utilize tools like project management software to drive innovation within an organization.

What cities are hiring for Director Research Innovation jobs?

Cities with the most Director Research Innovation job openings:

What states have the most Director Research Innovation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Research Innovation jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Director Research Innovation jobs?

For Director Research Innovation jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Director Research and Innovation

Carrollton, TX • On-site

4FRONT Engineered Solutions
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about 4FRONT Engineered Solutionsexternal

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the technical execution of new docking products from concept through commercialization.

  • Define and execute the long-term R&D and technology roadmap for docking solutions.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams and serve as a technical advisor to senior leadership.

Job description

Senior Director, Research & Innovation (Docking)


🚀 Shape the Future of Docking Solutions

Are you a visionary innovation leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, product development, and manufacturing excellence? Do you have a passion for turning breakthrough ideas into scalable, market-leading products? If so, we want to hear from you.


We are seeking a Senior Director, Research & Innovation (R&I) – Docking to lead our innovation strategy, drive technical excellence, and accelerate the development of next-generation docking products and technologies. This executive-level role will be instrumental in transforming ideas into commercially successful solutions that deliver exceptional customer value and sustain our competitive advantage. This position will be based at our corporate headquarters in Carrollton, Texas.


What You'll Do

As the senior technical leader for our Docking business, you will:

🔹 Lead Innovation Strategy

  • Define and execute the long-term R&D and technology roadmap.
  • Identify emerging technologies and market opportunities that create competitive advantage.
  • Align innovation initiatives with customer needs, business objectives, and sustainability goals.

🔹 Drive Product Development Excellence

  • Lead the technical execution of new products from concept through commercialization.
  • Establish system architectures, design standards, and validation processes.
  • Ensure products are scalable, manufacturable, cost-effective, and reliable.

🔹 Accelerate Growth Through Innovation

  • Manage a diverse portfolio of innovation, research, and product development projects.
  • Apply Stage-Gate and Agile methodologies to maximize speed, quality, and ROI.
  • Make data-driven recommendations on advancing, pivoting, or stopping projects.

🔹 Build and Lead High-Performing Teams

  • Mentor and develop engineers, researchers, and technical specialists.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Balance strategic leadership with hands-on technical involvement in architecture, design reviews, and problem-solving.

🔹 Influence Across the Organization

  • Partner closely with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing, and Commercial teams.
  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to senior leadership.
  • Represent the company at industry events, customer engagements, and technical forums.


What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

✅ Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline

✅ 10+ years of progressive R&D, engineering, or product development experience

✅ 5+ years of leadership experience leading technical teams and innovation initiatives

✅ Proven success bringing new products or technologies from concept to commercial deployment

✅ Experience developing and executing technology strategies that drive measurable business results

✅ Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product commercialization, and technology scale-up


Preferred Qualifications

⭐ Master's Degree or Ph.D.

⭐ Professional Engineering (PE) License

⭐ Experience with automation, digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies

⭐ Expertise in Stage-Gate, Agile, NPI, and product lifecycle management methodologies


Why Join Us?

At our company, innovation isn't just encouraged—it's expected.

You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Lead transformative technologies and products.
  • Influence strategic business decisions.
  • Build and develop exceptional technical talent.
  • Drive meaningful innovation with real-world impact.
  • Help shape the future of an industry-leading organization.


If you're ready to make an impact, lead breakthrough innovation, inspire high-performing teams, and bring next-generation products to market, we'd love to connect.


📩 Apply directly or message me to learn more –

John Vandenberg | 4Front Recruiter 📧 john.vandenberg@4frontes.com 📞 262‑496‑5374


Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future!





Apply today and help redefine what's possible in Docking innovation.

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