Product Development Manager - Fresh​/Processed Meats

Responsibilities

Creating an emotional link between the products we make and our customers is the work of our H‑E‑B Own Brand Team, who develops products to meet a variety of business objectives.

As a Product Development Manager (PDM), you will support product‑ and packaging‑related initiatives across multiple categories and projects to help make H‑E‑B competitive and successful in the omnichannel business and delight our customers.

Once you are eligible, you will become an Owner in the company, so we look for commitment, hard work, and a focus on quality and customer service. "Partner‑owned" means our most important resources – People – drive the innovation, growth, and success that make H‑E‑B the greatest omnichannel retailer.

• Heart for People: skills to collaborate and influence cross‑functionally.
• Head for Business: ability to learn and apply product development processes the H‑E‑B way.
• Passion for Results: drive to begin managing product development in your own category.

• 3+ years of experience in product development or comparable work.
• Experience working with Processed Meats.
• Preferred Food Science background.
• Degree or comparable formal training, certification, or work experience.
• Experience in project management.

• Independently learns and participates in all product development and maintenance activities related to specific categories assigned with Manager & Product Development Manager (PDM) trainers.
• Manages key product and packaging initiatives and strategies to execute against realistic, deliverable timelines with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Participates in learning processes to understand market trends, product development practices, product evaluations, specification documentation, and ingredient and nutrition disciplines of assigned categories in conjunction with PDM trainer and Manager.
• Contributes to category five‑year planning.
• Learns and participates in decision‑making on competitive analysis and evaluations, project planning, product development, analytical testing, manufacturing, and related maintenance with PDM trainer and Manager.
• Individually manages product development for select categories; may work with or support PDMs on projects.
• Works collaboratively with QA, Procurement, CIC, OBMs, Regulatory, Self‑Manufacturing, Global Sourcing, Culinary / R&D Chefs, suppliers, etc.
• Ensures products are successfully developed to meet quality, attribute, and financial goals and objectives.
• Cross‑trains in Stores and Self‑Manufacturing for professional development and knowledge building.
• Participates in or coordinates special projects as assigned.
• Performs Product Development Assistant (PDA) project duties; coordinates and manages logistics for product evaluations (sample preparation, sample procurement, documentation, set up, facilitation, cleanup).
• May leverage PDA support in special circumstances or highly complex product evaluations.

• A related degree or comparable formal training, certification, or work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in product development or comparable work.
• Experience in project management.
• Preferred Food Science background.

• Strong working knowledge of consumer trends, how to identify and define key product quality and sensory attributes, product development, and production and process management.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and shift focus between tasks; attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate and navigate at all company levels.
• Ability to collaborate and solve problems cross‑functionally.
• Ability to work through complex issues with senior colleagues.
• Ability to provide proactive solutions with limited direction and input.
• Initiative; willingness to take calculated risks and collaborate with key partners for alignment.
• Creative aptitude; a passion to work with products (food and non‑food).​

• Function in a fast‑paced environment.
• Travel by car or plane with overnight stays.
• Work extended hours; sit for extended periods.
• Regularly lift 20 lbs or more.