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Senior Innovation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pharmavite

Manager, Marketing Innovation

West Hills, CA · On-site

In this role, reporting to the Senior Manager, Marketing Innovation, you'll be working on the forefront of emerging scientific and consumer trends, with high exposure to senior leadership and the ...

Pharmavite

Manager, Marketing Innovation

West Hills, CA

$100K - $166K/yr

In this role, r eporting to the Senior Manager , Marketing Innovation , you'll be working on the forefront of emerging scientific and consumer trends, with high exposure to senior leadership and the ...

Gallup

Product Manager - Innovation

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $170K/yr

Own the product engine behind Gallup's next generation of innovation. As a product manager at ... You'll partner closely with engineering, design, research and senior product leaders to transform ...

Gallup

Product Manager - Innovation

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Own the product engine behind Gallup's next generation of innovation. As a product manager at ... You'll partner closely with engineering, design, research and senior product leaders to transform ...

Trace3

Innovation Principal (Remote)

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Engage senior-level executives by building relationships, establishing credibility, conducting ... Manage each engagement with client from introduction to successful team hand-off with interval ...

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All JobsInnovation JobsSenior Innovation Manager JobsSenior Innovation Manager Jobs in California

Senior Innovation Manager information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$95.8K

$180.1K

How much do senior innovation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior innovation manager in California is $95,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior innovation manager do?

A Senior Innovation Manager is responsible for leading and managing the development and implementation of new ideas, products, or business processes within an organization. They identify opportunities for innovation, create strategies to drive growth, and oversee cross-functional teams to execute innovation projects. Their role often involves collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing market trends, and ensuring that innovative initiatives align with the company's overall goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior innovation manager?

To thrive as a Senior Innovation Manager, you need expertise in strategic planning, project management, and a strong understanding of business development, usually backed by a relevant degree and experience in innovation roles. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, data analytics tools, and project management systems like Agile or Design Thinking is commonly required. Exceptional leadership, creativity, and stakeholder communication skills help drive change and inspire teams. These capabilities are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, implementing effective solutions, and maintaining a competitive edge in dynamic markets.

How does a senior innovation manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive new initiatives?

Senior Innovation Managers frequently work alongside product development, marketing, and executive leadership teams to identify opportunities for new products or services. They facilitate brainstorming sessions, gather diverse perspectives, and help ensure that innovative initiatives align with organizational goals. Regular communication, agile project management methods, and stakeholder engagement are key aspects of their collaborative approach. This role often acts as a bridge between creative thinkers and decision-makers, ensuring that innovative ideas are both feasible and strategically sound.

What is the difference between Senior Innovation Manager vs Innovation Director?

AspectSenior Innovation ManagerInnovation Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees innovation projects, manages teams, implements new ideasSets innovation strategy, leads multiple teams, aligns innovation with business goals
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Business, Engineering, or related fields; experience in innovation rolesSimilar credentials, often with more extensive leadership experience
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams within R&D or product developmentExecutive-level environment, cross-departmental leadership
Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, and consulting firmsFound in larger organizations with formal innovation strategies

While both roles focus on fostering innovation, the Senior Innovation Manager typically manages specific projects and teams, whereas the Innovation Director develops strategic initiatives and oversees broader innovation efforts across the organization.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Innovation Manager jobs in California?

For Senior Innovation Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Innovation Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Innovation Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Innovation Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Innovation Manager job openings:

Senior Innovation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Innovation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,829 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Principal Manager - Systems Innovation

SuperbTech

Rosemead, CA

$230K - $250K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Title: Principal Manager, Systems Innovation
Location: Pomona Ca, (Hybrid)
Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours, with up to 30% travel
Assignment Type: Direct Hire
Pay Rate: $230,000 - $250,000 base salary + 20% bonus
 
Summary

We are seeking a Principal Manager, Systems Innovation to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the power grid through innovation, advanced technologies, and forward-looking strategies. In this role, you will lead the development and adoption of next-generation grid capabilities, identifying where new technologies can deliver the greatest value and defining strategies to integrate them into long-term system planning.


As a trusted technical and strategic leader, you will partner across engineering, operations, IT, and regulatory teams to translate innovation into scalable, real-world outcomes that advance reliability, affordability, and system performance.


Key Responsibilities
  • Shape overall strategy, leveraging analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to achieve business objectives
  • Define, articulate, and adjust strategy based on market direction, competitive landscape, and financial position
  • Lead development of technology roadmaps and innovation initiatives for grid modernization
  • Partner with executive leadership to inform and develop large-scale investment strategies
  • Develop and present business cases and executive-level presentations on complex topics
  • Oversee delivery against key metrics, milestones, and financial objectives across a portfolio of initiatives
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, IT, and external partners
  • Interface with external vendors, research institutions, and industry stakeholders
  • Lead and develop a team of senior managers and technical contributors

Must-Haves
  • 7+ years of experience supervising teams and/or leading complex projects
  • Experience managing managers or senior technical leaders
  • Background in strategy, management consulting, investment banking, or corporate strategy
  • Strong experience developing business cases and performing cost-benefit analysis
  • Experience in utilities, infrastructure, or advanced technology environments
  • Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in utilities, infrastructure, or system innovation
  • Master's degree or higher in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, or Business
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license or advanced certifications
  • Experience leading large, cross-functional efforts with measurable operational, financial, or strategic impact
  • Experience leading capital planning, investment prioritization, or enterprise transformation efforts
  • Track record of evaluating new technologies, executing pilots, and scaling to deployment
  • Familiarity with advanced grid technologies such as AI/ML analytics, digital twins, advanced communications, automation, or DER integration
  • Experience working across engineering, operations, IT, and cybersecurity in regulated or mission-critical environments
  • Strong external engagement experience with vendors, research institutions, or industry groups
  • Ability to represent the organization in executive briefings or industry forums 

IMPORTANT
  • Two Direct Reports: Sr Managers
  • Development of GRID Technologies w Roadmap Strategy
  • Interface w/Executive Teams ongoing
  • Dev Executive presentation on complex tops making digestible for leadership
  • Developing Business cases, Financial background and CBA essential
  • First 6 months, Initiatives for development, create grid strategy, storage initiatives and physical grid technologies
  • Must have experience LEADING Innovation IN Grid Digitalization, advanced protection, AMI communications, wildfire mitigation or reliability analytics
Education:MA/MSEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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