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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward ... Gates is looking for a Technical Program Manager - Industrial First Fit located out of our ...

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert ... Present program updates and checkpoint presentations to senior and executive management. * Adapt to ...

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert ... Present program updates and checkpoint presentations to senior and executive management. * Adapt to ...

Technical Program Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert ... Present program updates and checkpoint presentations to senior and executive management. * Adapt to ...

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert ... Present program updates and checkpoint presentations to senior and executive management. * Adapt to ...

Technical Program Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$105K - $180K/yr

KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert ... Present program updates and checkpoint presentations to senior and executive management. * Adapt to ...

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on AI knowledge with strong collaboration, change management, and program leadership skills. This position is innovation and cultural change management first ...

Showing results 41-60

Innovation Program Manager information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$38K

$106.2K

$155.1K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Detroit, MI is $106,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,600.00 and $130,900.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Innovation Program Manager jobs in Detroit, MI? For Innovation Program Manager jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Innovation Program Manager jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Innovation Program Manager job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,183 per year, or $51 per hour.

Technical Program Manager

Gates

Rochester Hills, MI • On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Gates Corporation rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

366th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward-thinking, open-minded, and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Gates is looking for a Technical Program Manager - Industrial First Fit located out of our Rochester Hills, MI or Englewood, CO office. In this highly visible role, you will:
  • Develop and maintain all technical and timing aspects of customer projects following the Gates Program Management Process.
  • Support Sales and Application Engineers with customer communication, new business acquisition, technical review presentations, new product introduction, and bringing awarded programs to production.
  • Support ongoing production programs with engineering changes and other related activities on an ongoing basis.
  • Interface with key customers and multiple internal functions to execute new business and build customer relationships.
  • Identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to enhance operational efficiency

Key responsibilities:
  • Ownership of the production implementation of new business for external customers.
  • Lead and coordinate diverse internal teams (sales, engineering, quality, production) to achieve program goals.
  • Act as the main point of communication between internal teams and the customer, managing relationships and communication to ensure alignment.
  • Responsible for creating and managing program milestones, timeline, and overall deliverables.
  • Manage the program's budget, track costs, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
  • Provide regular updates and reports on program status, progress, and challenges to senior leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Identify and manage critical program dependencies and risks, developing comprehensive mitigation strategies and effectively escalating issues when necessary.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate program effectiveness and implement process improvements

Requirements and Preferred Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering OR related technical discipline OR equivalent related experience
  • Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in automotive or a relevant technical domain.
  • At least 3 to 5 years of program management experience in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, managing cross-functional teams.
  • Strong observational and analytical skills, including ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate significant amounts of information, strong attention to detail and accuracy, ability to track and report metrics, and manage risks
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and people management skills with the ability to inspire teams, build strong relationships, and negotiate effectively across all organizational levels
  • Proven delivery of projects on time, on cost, while meeting internal and external requirements
  • Experience with and able to utilize available software tools to manage all phases of a project
  • Strong oral, written, and presentation skills
  • Self-driven with strong organization skills
  • Must be able to travel up to 20% of the time as necessary
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
  • Must be able to work in an office or manufacturing environment

PAY & BENEFITS
  • Full-Time
  • Salary Range: $115,000 - $135,000
  • Bonus Eligible
  • Relocation is not provided
  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
  • Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
  • 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
  • Tuition Reimbursement

WHY GATES?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
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