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Innovation Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will oversee multiple North America innovation programs, hire and staff Innovation Leaders and Coordinators for each Brand, enable and execute the innovation process and systems to ensure clear ...

Innovation Program Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

$126K - $190K/yr

As the Innovation Program Manager for North America , you will be in instrumental in the successful delivery of innovation that is critical to delivering on Sazerac's growth plans. You will oversee ...

Innovation Program Lead Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: G-Program Management and Operations ( non-tech) Function/Branch: Engineering / Engineering Solutions Directorate: Engineering ...

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Innovation Program Lead Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: G-Program Management and Operations ( non-tech) Function/Branch: Engineering / Engineering Solutions Directorate: Engineering ...

New

Innovation Program Lead Location: Arnold AFB, TN Job Family Code: G-Program Management and Operations ( non-tech) Function/Branch: Engineering / Engineering Solutions Directorate: Engineering ...

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This position will also work with program managers to analyze, report, and improve operational performance. The successful candidate will be integral to the implementation of the City's 2026 Solid ...

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Innovation Program information

See salary details

$21.5K

$45.7K

$63K

How much do innovation program jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program in the United States is $45,721.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an innovation program?

An Innovation Program is a structured initiative within an organization designed to foster creativity, develop new ideas, and drive business growth through innovative solutions. These programs often include activities like idea generation workshops, hackathons, mentorship, and funding for promising projects. The goal is to encourage employees or participants to think outside the box and contribute to the organization's long-term success by implementing new technologies, products, or processes.

What are the typical responsibilities of an innovation program manager?

An Innovation Program Manager typically oversees the entire lifecycle of innovation projects, from idea generation to implementation. Daily tasks often include coordinating cross-functional teams, facilitating brainstorming sessions, managing project timelines, and tracking progress on key initiatives. They also engage with stakeholders to understand business needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Collaboration and adaptability are essential, as the role often requires managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation program manager?

To thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, and a background in business or technology, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and tools like project management software (e.g., Jira, Trello) is commonly required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies enable effective oversight of innovation initiatives, fostering impactful solutions and driving organizational growth.

What is the difference between Innovation Program vs Innovation Manager?

AspectInnovation ProgramInnovation Manager
Role FocusDevelops and manages innovation initiatives and projectsLeads and oversees innovation teams and strategies
Required SkillsProject management, creativity, strategic thinkingLeadership, communication, innovation process expertise
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, project-basedManagement teams, strategic planning sessions
Industry UsageUsed across industries to implement innovation initiativesCommonly found in organizations with dedicated innovation departments

While both roles focus on fostering innovation, the Innovation Program manages specific projects and initiatives, whereas the Innovation Manager leads teams and strategic efforts to drive innovation across the organization.

What are careers in innovation program?

Careers in innovation programs involve developing and implementing new ideas, products, or processes within organizations. Roles may include innovation manager, product developer, or R&D specialist, often requiring skills in creativity, project management, and familiarity with emerging technologies. These positions typically focus on fostering growth and competitive advantage through continuous improvement.
More about Innovation Program jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Innovation Program jobs?

The most popular types of Innovation Program jobs are:

Infographic showing various Innovation Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,721 per year, or $22 per hour.

Innovation Program Manager

Sazerac Company

Louisville, KY • On-site

$126 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Sazerac rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 444 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram's V.O., Myers's, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We're proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the "Best Places to Work in Kentucky" four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

As the Innovation Program Manager for North America, you will be in instrumental in the successful delivery of innovation that is critical to delivering on Sazerac's growth plans. You will oversee multiple North America innovation programs, hire and staff Innovation Leaders and Coordinators for each Brand, enable and execute the innovation process and systems to ensure clear risk assessments, leadership engagement, progress through gates and on time delivery of innovation projects and total programs. This will encompass growth, maintenance, optimization and refresh projects across multiple Brands including new Brands for Sazerac.

What You'll Do:

  • Improve processes and systems as these efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once - all are evaluated in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility.
  • Maintain a prioritized list of new initiatives and ensure projects are communicated and managed in order to achieve target ship dates and volumes.
  • Grow sales volume, manage and optimize cost of goods and overheads - while delivering highest quality products - priority brands will grow in volume and profit at a faster rate than the total business and will comprise more than 65%.
  • Working with Brand to execute strategic plans, annual plans and activities that support and achieve the long-term goals.
Qualifications/Requirements

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 10 years experience in a fast-paced project/innovation environment
  • Ability to communicate with leadership and all levels of the organization
  • Experience in process design, implementation and improvement with proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with various client groups, including internal and external groups

Preferred:

  • PMP certification
  • Ability to work in all MS office software systems including PowerBI

Culture and Benefits:

Sazerac offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, paid time off, and more. These benefits may vary depending on location and work type. Learn more about how we support our employees here.

The annual salary range for this role is $126,000 - $190,000. Final compensation will be based on relevant experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal pay equity considerations.

Sazerac is committed to equality of opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.

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