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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$118K - $211K/yr

Background in portfolio management, strategic planning, and innovation leadership. * Demonstrated success managing large-scale programs with significant financial, technical, or operational impact.

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Innovation Program Manager information

See Wisconsin salary details

$38.9K

$108.5K

$158.5K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Wisconsin is $108,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategy development, and a background in business or technology, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like PMP. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective stakeholder communication are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and scaling of innovative initiatives, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does an Innovation Program Manager do?

An Innovation Program Manager oversees and coordinates initiatives that drive innovation within an organization. They design, implement, and manage programs that encourage creative thinking, development of new products, and improvement of existing processes. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, measuring program outcomes, and fostering a culture of innovation. By identifying emerging trends and technologies, they help organizations stay competitive and adapt to changes in the market.

What is the difference between Innovation Program Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovation Program ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing innovation initiatives and programsOverseeing product development and lifecycle
Required SkillsInnovation strategy, project management, cross-functional collaborationProduct design, market analysis, user experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate innovation labs, R&D departments, cross-industryTech companies, consumer goods, software firms
CertificationsProject management, innovation management certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., Pragmatic, Scrum)

While both roles involve strategic planning and cross-functional work, the Innovation Program Manager focuses on fostering new ideas and managing innovation initiatives, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on developing and delivering specific products to market.

How does an Innovation Program Manager typically foster collaboration across different departments?

An Innovation Program Manager often acts as a bridge between various teams—such as R&D, marketing, finance, and operations—to drive new initiatives. They facilitate workshops, organize cross-functional meetings, and implement structured processes for idea generation and evaluation. By maintaining open communication channels and aligning stakeholders on shared goals, they ensure that innovative projects have broad support and clear direction. This collaborative approach is essential to overcome silos and accelerate the implementation of creative solutions.
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What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh, WI • On-site

$118K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Oshkosh Defense, an Oshkosh company
Oshkosh Defense stands behind those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. As an industry-leading tactical vehicle manufacturer, every day we strive to meet or exceed our customers' ever-changing needs with next generation defense technologies and advanced systems. We operate with unparalleled commitment to those who depend on our products and services worldwide to perform their missions.
JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Program Manager is a high-impact, enterprise leader responsible for guiding complex, multi-year programs that span regions, product lines, and business units. These initiatives may include business transformation, advanced system development, capital investment, and government-funded projects. You will serve as a key partner to executive leadership, aligning strategy with execution, managing risk, ensuring fiscal accountability, and driving value delivery across the full program lifecycle.
This role combines strategic foresight with operational rigor-integrating commercial and government program management expertise. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in stakeholder alignment, regulatory compliance, team leadership, and transformational change. You will also mentor senior project managers, influence PMO governance, and contribute to enterprise-wide excellence.
YOUR IMPACT
These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned:
Strategic Program Leadership
  • Architect and lead enterprise-scale programs, including multimillion-dollar initiatives involving product development, business transformation, and government systems delivery.
  • Develop and oversee integrated program roadmaps, master schedules, cost models, and risk frameworks in alignment with strategic business and mission objectives.
  • Direct all phases of program execution-from concept development, capture, and proposal through design, testing, production, sustainment, and closeout.

Organizational Influence & Executive Alignment
  • Act as a trusted advisor to C-level executives and senior government stakeholders, translating strategy into operational outcomes.
  • Represent the company in executive forums, governance reviews, and industry engagements.
  • Drive cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital, R&D, Product, Finance, and Government Affairs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten (10) or more years of relevant experience (equivalent to sixteen (16) year's total in education and experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the role.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or related field).
  • PMP, PgMP, or SAFe Agile certification.
  • Global program experience and oversight of international teams or suppliers.
  • Experience with ERP, MES, and enterprise systems.
  • Defense Acquisition University (DAU) training or equivalent.
  • Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, CMMI, PDP/APQP, and lifecycle governance.
  • Background in portfolio management, strategic planning, and innovation leadership.
  • Demonstrated success managing large-scale programs with significant financial, technical, or operational impact.
  • Experience leading cross-functional and matrixed teams.
  • Strong knowledge of Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project methodologies.
  • Proficiency with project tools; Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Primavera P6, Power BI, and advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables).
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Pay Range:
$118,700.00 - $211,300.00
The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.
Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

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