Product Development Manager ; Fresh

Product Development Manager I (Fresh)

H-E-B

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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.

As a Product Development Manager (PDM) I, you will serve in an initial-level product development manager role. You will support product‑and‑packaging‑related initiatives, multiple categories, and numerous 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 are looking for commitment, hard work, and 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 retailing company.

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

• Independently learns / 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 / 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.
• Learn / 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 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 / 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.
• 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.

02‑2023