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Innovation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Minth North America

Innovation Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

About the Job As an Innovation Manager, you'll support our frontier technology initiatives. Track market and technology trends, research startups and technology companies, prepare management ...

MINTH Group

Innovation Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $175/hr

Position Summary Minth California Inc. is looking for an Innovation Manager to support our frontier technology initiatives in North America. This role will focus on robotics, Physical AI, AI ...

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Kuli Kuli

Innovation Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

Kuli Kuli is looking for an Innovation Manager with experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) product development and manufacturing. This person will work with cross-functional teams to lead ...

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All JobsInnovation JobsInnovation Manager JobsInnovation Manager Jobs in California

Innovation Manager information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$96.3K

$114.5K

How much do innovation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation manager in California is $96,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,800.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an innovation manager do?

Innovation managers design processes or help implement new technologies that improve operations at a company or aids development of new products or services. Specific job duties vary, depending on the company and industry. But all innovation managers must have several years of experience in their particular industry and have a history of cultivating ideas from inception through production or implementation. Innovation managers usually research market trends and facilitate brainstorming sessions within their company. They can recognize good opportunities and turn them into profitable products or creative solutions for their company.

How does an innovation manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive new initiatives?

Innovation Managers often work closely with departments such as R&D, marketing, operations, and IT to identify opportunities and implement creative solutions. They facilitate brainstorming sessions, coordinate pilot projects, and ensure alignment between different teams to move ideas from concept to execution. Strong communication and project management skills are essential for building consensus and tracking progress, making the role highly interactive and collaborative. This cross-functional teamwork not only fosters diverse perspectives but also accelerates the adoption of innovative practices across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Manager, you need a strong background in business strategy, project management, and creative problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree and experience driving innovation initiatives. Familiarity with innovation management platforms, design thinking methodologies, and data analysis tools is highly valuable. Exceptional communication, leadership, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for influencing stakeholders and fostering a culture of innovation. These skills enable Innovation Managers to effectively identify opportunities, implement new ideas, and drive organizational growth in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Innovation Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovation ManagerProduct Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often MBA or related certificationsBachelor's degree; often MBA or related certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on developing new ideas, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationFocus on product lifecycle, market research, customer needs, and product delivery
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries to foster innovation and growthCommon in tech, retail, and manufacturing sectors for product development

While both roles require strategic thinking and collaboration, Innovation Managers focus on creating and implementing new ideas and strategies, whereas Product Managers oversee the development and lifecycle of specific products. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and candidates for each role.

More about Innovation Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Innovation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Innovation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Innovation Manager jobs in California?

For Innovation Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Innovation Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Innovation Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Innovation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Innovation Manager job openings:

Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,305 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Innovation Manager

Minth North America

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Minth North America rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About the Company

Minth California Inc. serves as Minth Group’s strategic interface with the Silicon Valley and North American frontier technology ecosystem, focused on identifying emerging technologies, startups, and new products.


Minth Group is a global manufacturing technology company with deep experience in automotive components, engineering development, global supply chain management, and scalable manufacturing. As robotics, Physical AI, AI infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing continue to evolve, Minth is expanding its role from a traditional automotive supplier toward a broader frontier technology manufacturing platform.

About the Job

As an Innovation Manager, you’ll support our frontier technology initiatives. Track market and technology trends, research startups and technology companies, prepare management briefings, and support customer and ecosystem meetings.
Focus Areas

  • Robotics and Physical AI 

    • Humanoid robotics, robot structural components, actuator-related hardware, sensors and enclosures, vision-related components, lightweight materials, and manufacturing processes.

  • AI Infrastructure Hardware 

    • AI data center cooling systems, cabinets, structural components, power-related hardware, and thermal management materials.

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Materials 

    • Precision manufacturing, automation, metal forming, plastic components, composites, surface treatment, lightweight structures, and other manufacturing technologies relevant to robotics and AI infrastructure

Key Responsibilities

  • Track technology and market trends in robotics, Physical AI, AI infrastructure hardware, data center cooling, thermal management, and advanced manufacturing.

  • Monitor industry news, funding activities, product launches, customer movements, competitors, and supply chain changes.

  • Build and maintain a pipeline of relevant startups and technology companies in North America.

  • Prepare one-page company profiles, market summaries, and opportunity assessments.

  • Identify potential fit between target companies and Minth’s manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and product capabilities.

  • Support customer visits, VC/startup meetings, university connections, industry events, and executive meetings.

  • Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, follow-up lists, and internal presentation materials.

  • Maintain an internal opportunity pipeline and update management regularly.

Key Deliverables


  • Weekly technology and market intelligence updates

  • Monthly trend report on robotics or AI infrastructure manufacturing

  • Startup/company pipeline database

  • One-page company research profiles

  • Executive briefing and presentation support

Required Qualifications


  • Bachelor’s degree or above in engineering, robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, materials, computer science, business, finance, or a related field.

  • Substantial experience in market research, technology scouting, startup scouting, corporate innovation, VC/CVC research, consulting, hard-tech, robotics, AI hardware, data center infrastructure, or advanced manufacturing.

  • Ability to quickly understand new technologies, markets, and business models.

  • Self-driven, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a small, fast-moving, cross-cultural team.

Preferred Qualifications


  • Familiarity with Silicon Valley or North American startup ecosystem (including incubators, accelerators)

  • Experience in robotics, humanoid robotics, AI hardware, data center infrastructure, thermal management, or advanced manufacturing.

  • Experience preparing company research, industry reports, or investment screening materials.

What Minth North America employees say

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