ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Product Innovation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Feastables

Innovation Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $148K/yr

As the Innovation Manager at Feastables , you will lead end-to-end development of new consumer products across the portfolio. You will identify consumer-driven opportunities, build commercially ...

HirexHire

Associate, Product Innovation

Chicago, IL · On-site

THE ROLE Our client is seeking an Associate, Product Innovation to support the development and ... Manage launch timelines, project documentation, risk assessments, and reporting metrics. * Drive ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProduct Innovation JobsProduct Innovation Manager JobsProduct Innovation Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Product Innovation Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.1K

$164.2K

$202.9K

How much do product innovation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for product innovation manager in Chicago, IL is $164,210.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,200.00 and $202,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a product innovation manager faces when bringing new ideas to market?

Product Innovation Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and navigating limited resources or tight timelines. They must balance creative vision with practical feasibility, ensuring that innovations fit both market demands and organizational strategy. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as priorities can shift quickly based on feedback, competitive activity, or emerging technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product innovation manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Innovation Manager, you need expertise in product development, market analysis, and project management, typically supported by a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, design thinking tools, and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems is commonly required, along with certifications like PMP or Agile. Strong creative thinking, collaboration, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teamwork and inspire innovative solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for successfully bringing new products to market and maintaining a competitive edge.

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

AspectProduct Innovation ManagerProduct Development Manager
Primary FocusCreating new products and innovative solutionsDesigning and improving existing products
Skills & CertificationsInnovation strategies, market research, project managementProduct design, engineering, project management
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, R&D, marketingEngineering, manufacturing, product teams
Industry UsageTech, consumer goods, automotiveTech, manufacturing, consumer products

While both roles involve product management, the Product Innovation Manager focuses on developing new, innovative products and solutions, whereas the Product Development Manager concentrates on improving and bringing existing products to market. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or hiring the appropriate professional for your organization.

What is the role of a product innovation manager?

A product innovation manager oversees the development and implementation of new products or features, focusing on identifying market opportunities and driving creative solutions. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, utilize market research, and apply project management skills to bring innovative ideas to market efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Product Innovation jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Product Innovation jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Product Innovation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Product Innovation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Innovation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Innovation Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Product Innovation Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Product Innovation Manager job openings:

Product Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Innovation Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,210 per year, or $78.9 per hour.

Manager, Product Innovation, R&D

Barry Callebaut

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Barry Callebaut rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

About the Role

Manager, Product Innovation is responsible to drive and deliver initiatives under the global strategy of Compounds & Global Compound Centre of Excellence under the guidance of the Director, Product Innovation and Business Development. The Global Product Innovation Manager ensures technical excellence in execution of product innovation objectives and liaises with the key managers cross-functionally to generate solutions for an accelerated product innovation impact.

Job Responsibilities Include

Lead & deliver initiatives under global strategy of Cacao Coatings & Fillings (100%)

  • Leads & delivers initiatives under global strategy for corresponding regions, to support business growth in the compounds product category.
  • Engages the leadership team in business and functions to gain the required support during project execution.
  • Plans and manages required resources to deliver the initiatives.
  • Acts as the heart and mind of the CI&TS function by consolidating and fostering knowledge gained internally or externally.
  • Amplifies product innovation impact by thoroughly documenting learnings and generously sharing them with the relevant teams and stakeholders as per the business needs.

About You

 

  • Master or PhD degree level in a Science or Engineering discipline, or equivalent, preferably in Food Science & Technology
  • 10 or more years of experience in a relevant role, experience in a leadership role will be preferred.
  • Fluent in English. Additional spoken languages are a plus.
  • An experienced expert in the chocolate and/or cocoa category, with good knowledge of product application, formulation, processing and ingredients. Experience with compounds and vegetable fats is a plus.
  • Good business acumen in regional markets such as NAM, LATAM, WEU, CEE, and AMEA.
  • Able to travel a minimum of 20% of the time.

 

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut

 

  • Salary Range of $130,000 - $150,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package
  • MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
  • Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and hybrid environment
  • An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women's Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
  • Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all our products.

What Barry Callebaut employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply