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Innovation Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Product Innovation Management Level Senior Manager & Summary At PwC, our people in software and product innovation focus on developing cutting-edge software ...

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, cost reduction, and innovation. * Manage multiple engineering projects while maintaining schedules and deliverables.

Demonstrated experience in strategy, transformation, consulting, innovation management, program leadership, or a comparable field * Strong leadership and people development skills with experience ...

Store Manager

La Motte, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Company Description As the global leader in health and wellness innovation since 1935, GNC ... We are seeking a dynamic Store Manager who embodies GNC's "Live Well" philosophy-living strong ...

Store Manager

Holy Cross, IA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Company Description As the global leader in health and wellness innovation since 1935, GNC ... We are seeking a dynamic Store Manager who embodies GNC's "Live Well" philosophy-living strong ...

Showing results 21-40

Innovation Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$91.7K

$109K

How much do innovation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation manager in Iowa is $91,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Innovation jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Innovation Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Innovation Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Innovation Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,657 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Director of Digital Transformation & Innovation

Cottingham & Butler

Davenport, IA • On-site

$221K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Cottingham & Butler rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 308 rated insurance


Job description

This role is an opportunity to help shape and lead a major transformation initiative within SISCO. The Director of Digital Transformation & Innovation will play a critical role in helping the organization evolve from manual processes and legacy technology toward a more modern, efficient, and tech-enabled operating model. This position is suited for an experienced transformation leader who can bring both strategic vision and practical execution, helping the business define what the future should look like while building the path to get there. The person in this role will work closely with leadership and cross-functional partners across operations, technology, and the business, and will be expected to contribute not just to individual initiatives, but also to the broader direction of how the organization modernizes over time.

What you'll be doing

  • Assess current-state operations, systems, and workflows to identify pain points, inefficiencies, and opportunities for modernization.
  • Develop and guide a multi-year transformation roadmap that aligns digital initiatives with business priorities and long-term organizational goals.
  • Identify opportunities for automation, AI, and process optimization that can improve efficiency, scalability, and overall service delivery.
  • Lead cross-functional implementation efforts by partnering with IT, Operations, and business leaders to move initiatives from strategy through execution.
  • Evaluate and recommend technology solutions and implementation approaches that support a more modern operating environment.
  • Drive change management and adoption to help teams transition successfully to new systems, tools, and ways of working.
  • Promote innovation and continuous improvement by staying current on industry trends, gathering feedback, and helping the organization adapt thoughtfully over time.

What we're looking for

  • Strong digital transformation leadership experience in complex, evolving environments
  • Background in healthcare, insurance, or TPA operations with understanding of modernization challenges
  • Ability to communicate clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels
  • Judgment to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution, especially in legacy transformation
  • Comfort with ambiguity and cross-functional leadership while bringing structure to transformation

What you'll need

  • 7+ years in digital transformation, product management, or operations leadership roles
  • Experience in healthcare claims processing, benefits administration, or TPA operations
  • Strong understanding of modern software platforms, APIs, data systems, and automation tools
  • Proven ability to operate independently, lead cross-functionally, and execute complex initiatives
  • Track record modernizing legacy systems and manual processes

What we offer

  • The opportunity to join SISCO in a high-impact leadership role focused on shaping the organization's future.
  • A chance to help define and build the "SISCO of the Future" through meaningful modernization and innovation work.
  • Direct collaboration with leadership and key partners across IT, Operations, and the broader business.
  • A position with visibility and the ability to influence how technology, processes, and workflows evolve over time.
  • The chance to work on initiatives where your expertise can directly improve operational efficiency, organizational effectiveness, and long-term readiness.
  • An environment where strong candidates can bring forward informed recommendations and help drive important transformation decisions.

About Cottingham & Butler:

At Cottingham & Butler, we sell a promise to help our clients through life's toughest moments. To deliver on that promise, we aim to hire, train, and grow the best professionals in the industry. We look for people with an insatiable desire to succeed, are committed to growing, and thrive on challenges. Our culture is guided by the theme of "better every day" constantly pushing ourselves to be better than yesterday – that's who we are and what we believe in.

As an organization, we are tremendously optimistic about the future and have incredibly high expectations for our people and our performance. Our ability to grow as a company, fuels investments in new resources to better serve our clients and provide the amazing career opportunities our employees want and deserve. This is why we are a growth company and why we are committed to being better every day.

Want to learn more? Follow us on www.CottinghamButler.com | LinkedIn | Facebook


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