Product Development Mgr ; General Merchandise

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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 an integral part of the Center for Excellence for Retail Product Development, a successful Partner will understand, create, and carry out best practices for product design and evaluation, supplier engagement, technology advancement, and project execution.

• 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 experience in related work.

• Independently learns / participates in all product development and maintenance activities related to specific categories across General Merchandise 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 / learns 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 5‑year planning.
• Learns / 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 / support PDMs on projects.
• Works collaboratively with Quality Assurance, Procurement, Consumer Insights, Own Brand Managers, Regulatory, Global Sourcing, suppliers, etc.
• Ensures products are successfully developed to meet quality, attribute, and financial goals and objectives.
• Participates in / coordinates special projects as assigned.
• Performs Product Development Assistant (PDA) project duties; coordinates / 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 experience in related work in General Merchandise products.
• Experience in project management.

• Strong working knowledge of consumer trends, how to identify / define key product quality and sensory attributes, product development, and production and process management.
• Strong verbal / 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 / deadlines, and shift focus between tasks; attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate / navigate at all company levels.
• Ability to collaborate / solve problems cross‑functionally.
• Ability to work through complex issues with senior colleagues.
• Ability to provide proactive solutions with limited direction and input.
• Ability to collaborate and influence others, activities for efficiency.
• 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.

Entry level

Full‑time

Product Management and Marketing

Retail

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