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Innovation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

Edgewater

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

WesleyLife

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA

$32K - $44K/yr

Position Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student ...

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Innovation information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$91.7K

$109K

How much do innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation 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 an innovation job?

Innovation jobs focus on creating, developing, and implementing new ideas, products, services, or processes within an organization. Professionals in these roles help companies stay competitive by identifying opportunities for improvement and driving change. Common positions include Innovation Manager, Product Innovation Specialist, and Innovation Consultant. These jobs often require creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across different teams.

How does an innovation professional typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Innovation professionals frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with teams such as marketing, product development, engineering, and operations to identify opportunities and develop new solutions. They often facilitate brainstorming sessions, gather input from diverse stakeholders, and ensure alignment on project goals. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as they must bridge gaps between creative ideas and practical implementation, ensuring successful integration of innovations into existing business processes.

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, creativity, and project management, often supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with innovation frameworks (such as Design Thinking), data analysis tools, and experience with project management platforms like Jira or Trello are commonly required. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and leadership abilities help drive cross-functional collaboration and foster a culture of innovation. These skills are crucial for identifying opportunities, executing new ideas, and maintaining a competitive edge in rapidly changing markets.

What is the difference between Innovation vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovationProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping new ideas, concepts, and solutionsOverseeing product development, lifecycle, and strategy
Required SkillsCreativity, problem-solving, market researchProject management, communication, market analysis
Work EnvironmentR&D teams, startups, innovation labsCross-functional teams, tech companies, consumer goods
Industry UsageInnovation departments, R&D unitsProduct development teams, tech firms

Innovation focuses on generating new ideas and solutions, often working in R&D settings, while Product Managers oversee the development and lifecycle of products, ensuring market fit and success. Both roles require collaboration but differ in their core objectives and skill sets.

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

The most popular types of Innovation jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Innovation jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Innovation job openings:

Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,657 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Culinary Innovation Specialist

Johnston, IA • On-site

WesleyLife
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Learn more about WesleyLifeexternal

$32K - $44K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation Specialist will spend 10 weeks immersed in WesleyLife's culinary culture, operations, and innovation efforts. The ideal candidate is a culinary student, recent culinary graduate, or emerging culinary professional who is passionate about food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, and improving the dining experience for older adults. This position is designed as a talent pipeline opportunity, with the goal of identifying future culinary team members interested in joining WesleyLife following the completion of the program.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities 

  • Participate in community tours and culinary immersion experiences. 
  • Research industry-leading adaptive dining and finger-food programs. 
  • Develop creative culinary concepts and recipes. 
  • Conduct recipe testing, tastings, and resident evaluations. 
  • Analyze nutrition, production feasibility, and food costs. 
  • Create standardized recipes and production procedures. 
  • Document culinary innovations. 
  • Gather resident and team member feedback. 
  • Assist in establishing the framework for future WesleyLife culinary internship programs. 
  • Present a final project and recommendations to WesleyLife leadership. 

Education & Experience 

  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Food Science, Nutrition, or related program
  • ServSafe Certification required  
  • Passion for culinary innovation and hospitality
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Previous restaurant, hotel, healthcare, or foodservice experience preferred 
  • Interest in senior living, wellness, healthcare dining, or culinary research and development
  • Interest in pursuing a culinary career within WesleyLife following the completion of the program

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