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Product Innovation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

THE ROLE Our client is seeking an Associate, Product Innovation to support the development and expansion of edible products across multiple markets. This role will partner cross-functionally with ...

Senior Manager, Product & Innovation

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$130K - $172K/yr

Senior Manager, Product & Innovation (Data, Analytics & AI Solutions) About JLL We're JLL-a leading professional services and investment management firm specializing in real estate. We have ...

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Product Innovation information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.1K

$164.3K

$203.1K

How much do product innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for product innovation in Chicago, IL is $164,340.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,400.00 and $203,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a product innovation?

A Product Innovation job focuses on developing and improving products to meet evolving customer needs and market trends. Professionals in this role conduct research, analyze consumer insights, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to create innovative solutions. They work closely with design, engineering, and marketing teams to bring new ideas to life. The goal is to drive business growth by introducing products that offer unique value and stand out in the market.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities for someone in a product innovation role?

Product Innovation professionals often spend their days conducting market analysis, brainstorming and prototyping new product ideas, and collaborating closely with design, engineering, and marketing teams. They also facilitate workshops, gather customer feedback, and iteratively refine concepts based on data and user insights. Managing project timelines and presenting updates to stakeholders are also key parts of the job. This dynamic environment requires both creativity and strong project management to successfully guide products from ideation to market launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the product innovation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Product Innovation, you need strong skills in market research, creative problem-solving, and cross-functional project management, often underpinned by a degree in business, engineering, or design. Familiarity with prototyping tools, product lifecycle management (PLM) software, and innovation frameworks such as Design Thinking or Agile methodologies is common, and certifications like Certified Scrum Master or New Product Development Professional can be advantageous. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and stakeholder management skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills enable you to effectively identify market opportunities, lead diverse teams, and bring new products from concept to successful launch.

What are careers in product innovation?

Careers in product innovation involve developing new products or improving existing ones through research, design, and testing. Roles may include product managers, innovation specialists, and R&D engineers, often requiring skills in creativity, market analysis, and familiarity with tools like CAD or prototyping software.

What does a product innovation do?

A product innovation professional focuses on developing new products or improving existing ones to meet market needs. They conduct research, generate ideas, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative solutions to market, often using tools like design thinking and project management skills.

What skills are needed for product innovation?

Product innovation professionals need strong analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to identify market needs. They should have knowledge of design thinking, project management, and familiarity with tools like CAD or prototyping software. Effective communication and collaboration skills are also essential for working with cross-functional teams.

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 jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Product Innovation job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $164,340 per year, or $79 per hour.

Associate, Product Innovation

HirexHire

Elk Grove Village, IL โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description


ABOUT US

HirexHire (pronounced hire by hire) is a Chicago-based recruiting and talent consultancy that integrates with companies short-term to provide long-term talent solutions. We take a seat in our client’s everyday operations to understand their people goals, gaps, and challenges. We then develop and implement the processes and technologies to execute a sustainable and scalable talent plan.

We partner with companies expecting or experiencing high growth which need to hire at scale or fill a critical role rapidly. Our clients are not looking for quick-fix placements but are thoughtfully building a hiring strategy to scale their businesses.

OUR CLIENT 

Location: Chicago, IL

Industry: Consumer Staple Products, Cannabis

Company Size: 4,000+ Employees

What They Do: Our client in the cannabis industry currently operates in a quarter of the country with double-digit retail locations and a triple-digit growth rate making them one of the fastest-growing companies in North America. As they avidly tackle nationwide development with cultivation facilities, dispensaries, and their headquarters in Chicago – the demand to fill their teams is at an all-time high.

THE ROLE

Our client is seeking an Associate, Product Innovation to support the development and expansion of edible products across multiple markets. This role will partner cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Operations, Quality, and Production teams to help execute product launches, manage timelines, and ensure successful market rollouts. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Support new product launches across the edibles category, partnering closely with Product Innovation leadership.

  • Lead market expansion projects from planning through launch execution and post-launch tracking.

  • Manage launch timelines, project documentation, risk assessments, and reporting metrics.

  • Drive packaging artwork development and coordinate approvals across internal stakeholders.

  • Manage packaging workflows through internal quality control and compliance systems.

  • Partner with Brand and Regional Marketing teams to align on deliverables and launch schedules.

  • Collaborate directly with production facilities to ensure operational readiness ahead of launches.

  • Support the development of market-specific formulations and packaging to meet regulatory requirements.

  • Maintain knowledge of state-specific regulations impacting formulations, packaging, and product launches.

WHAT YOU WILL LIKELY NEED

  • 1+ years of experience in product innovation, product management, project management, or a related field.

  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to execute projects accurately and efficiently.

  • Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to shifting business priorities.

  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

  • Knowledge of product development processes and project management methodologies.

  • Cannabis industry knowledge and product acumen preferred.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools such as MS Project or similar platforms.

  • PMP certification or formal project management training is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must pass any required background checks.

  • Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry.

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age.

  • Must be approved by state badging agency to work in the cannabis industry.

  • This is a hybrid role based in Chicago, requiring 2 days onsite per week with occasional travel to production facilities.