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Strategic Innovation Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Innovation Manager is a critical position contributing to the execution of Christman's corporate-wide Innovation strategy. This role oversees the daily execution of the Opportunity Mapping ...

Foster a spirit of innovation throughout the RAM organization, reviewing periodically product ... Define account strategies, tactical plan, specific deliverables and needs to insure attainment of ...

Foster a spirit of innovation throughout the RAM organization, reviewing periodically product ... Define account strategies, tactical plan, specific deliverables and needs to insure attainment of ...

Your Mission: As the Manager of Innovation Finance, you will lead financial analysis and influence strategic decision-making for our pioneering projects. We are looking for a driven and ...

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Strategic Innovation information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$65.9K

$115.2K

$183.9K

How much do strategic innovation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic innovation in Detroit, MI is $115,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,900.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a strategic innovation?

A Strategic Innovation job focuses on identifying, developing, and implementing new ideas, technologies, and business models to drive long-term growth and competitive advantage. Professionals in this role analyze market trends, foster a culture of innovation, and collaborate across departments to create forward-thinking strategies. They often work on digital transformation, product development, and operational improvements. The goal is to help organizations adapt and stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in strategic innovation?

To thrive in Strategic Innovation, you need strong analytical abilities, creativity, business acumen, and a background in areas such as business, engineering, or technology. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, design thinking tools, and data analysis platforms like Tableau or Power BI is also highly valuable. Exceptional communication, collaborative spirit, and adaptability are crucial for championing new ideas and facilitating change across diverse teams. These competencies are essential to drive transformative projects, manage strategic initiatives, and ensure an organization's long-term competitiveness.

What are the typical challenges someone in a strategic innovation role might face?

Professionals in Strategic Innovation often encounter challenges such as gaining buy-in for new ideas, overcoming resistance to change, and balancing risk with potential reward. They must navigate evolving market trends and respond swiftly to disruptions, while also aligning innovative projects with the organization’s broader strategy. Success in this role requires persistence, strong relationship-building across departments, and the ability to clearly communicate the value of innovation to various stakeholders. These challenges can be highly rewarding for individuals passionate about shaping the future of their organization.

What does a strategic innovation do?

A strategic innovation professional develops and implements new ideas, processes, or products that create competitive advantages for an organization. They analyze market trends, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use tools like SWOT analysis to identify opportunities for growth and transformation.

What are popular job titles related to Strategic Innovation jobs in Detroit, MI?

For Strategic Innovation jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Strategic Innovation jobs in Detroit, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Strategic Innovation jobs in Detroit, MI are:

Infographic showing various Strategic Innovation job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,204 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Director, Innovation & Commercialization

Detroit, MI • On-site


Little Caesars
Food Services and Drinking Places • 5 - 10K employees

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 962 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 106 rated fast food restaurants

Free food

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future
At Little Caesars, innovation is about creating breakthrough solutions that improve guest experience, enhance restaurant operations, generate franchisee value, and drive profitable growth.
As Director, Innovation & Commercialization, you will identify, develop, test, and scale the next generation of access, channel & service solutions, business models, and operational capabilities that shape the future of the business. You will lead the journey from idea to commercialization, transforming emerging concepts into measurable enterprise value.
Reporting to the Vice President of Innovation, this leader will serve as a key catalyst for growth by managing a portfolio of strategic innovation initiatives focused on restaurant solutions, automation, delivery, operational excellence, and emerging business opportunities.
Your Mission:
  • Lead innovation initiatives from concept through commercialization, ensuring that promising ideas become scalable, franchisee-ready solutions that improve operations, drive guest satisfaction, and create competitive advantage.
  • This role combines strategic thinking, business case development, pilot execution, change management, and cross-functional leadership to accelerate innovation across Little Caesars.

How You'll Make an Impact:
  • Help build and execute an enterprise innovation roadmap in partnership with VP.
  • Identify emerging technologies, consumer needs/trends, and market opportunities; analyze the vendor and competitive landscape; and evaluate their potential impact on restaurant operations and the corporate enterprise.
  • Prioritize innovation investments using financial, operational, and consumer impact criteria.
  • Develop business cases supporting new technologies, solutions, and business models.
  • Own the process of moving innovation from pilot to enterprise deployment and establish measurable success criteria and go/no-go decision frameworks.
  • Develop commercialization strategies for new services, technologies, and operational capabilities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Franchise Services, IT, Supply Chain, Training, R&D, Equipment, Marketing, Finance, and Legal to ensure successful launches.
  • Build relationships with startups, technology providers, venture networks, incubators, universities, and industry organizations.
  • Coach team members on innovation methodologies, project management, commercialization, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, accountability, and execution.

Who You Are:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Technology, or related field, MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, commercialization, strategy, operations, consulting, product development, or technology leadership.
  • 5+ years leading cross-functional teams or direct reports.
  • Experience developing and scaling new products, technologies, services, or business models.
  • Experience managing pilots, proof-of-concepts, and/or enterprise implementations.
  • QSR, retail, consumer products, logistics, technology, or franchise business experience preferred.
  • Competencies:
    • Strategic thinking and business acumen
    • Data-driven decision making
    • Project and program management
    • Excellent communicator (written and verbal)
    • Strong presentation skills within a large or small group setting.
    • Proficient with Ai and computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point

Where You'll Work:
  • A state-of-the-art building with a modern-day, open environment in the heart of The District Detroit.
  • A colleague fitness center, work café and an outdoor patio with grills.
  • Over 60 different meeting spaces to help promote a collaborative environment.
  • Occasional travel (~25% of time)

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Blue Line Distribution.
Blue Line Distribution is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.
This company participates in E-Verify. Click on any of the links below to view or print the full poster. E-Verify and Right to Work.
PRIVACY POLICY

Little Caesars logo

About Little Caesars

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company Information As the fastest growing pizza chain in the U.S., there's no denying that Little Caesars is doing something right. We're an international brand that's a household name and a front-of-mind decision when you've got pizza on the brain. We've grown tremendously since opening the first store in 1959 - and we're still growing. But, at the end of the day, our success as a big-town name is because of our focus on small town values.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US


What Little Caesars employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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