Product Development Manager I (Bakery)

H-E-B

  • San Antonio, TX
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 4 days ago
Job Description:ResponsibilitiesCreating 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'll serve in an initial-level product development manager role. You'll 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're eligible, you'll become an Owner in the company, so we're 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.Do you have a:
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?We are looking for:- 3+ of experience in product development, or comparable experience in related work- Experience with developing baked goods and confections preferred, but not required- Experience in manufacturing preferred, but not requiredWhat is the work?Management / Project Management:
- Independently leads / participates in Bakery product development and maintenance activities related to baked goods- Individually manages product development activities for assigned categories; may work with / support other PDMs in other categories and projects
- Manages key product and packaging initiatives and strategies to execute against realistic, deliverable timelines with cross-functional stakeholders
- Leads / participates in processes to understand food and beverage market trends, to apply product development practices, and to manage activities including, but not limited to, product evaluations, specification documentation, shelf life analysis, packaging form & function, and ingredient and nutrition disciplines of assigned categories
- Contributes to category 5-year planning of baked goods, such as: cakes, cookies, pastries, confections, tortillas, breads
- Leads / participates in decision-making on competitive analysis and evaluations, project planning, product development, analytical testing, manufacturing, and related product maintenance
- Works collaboratively with Quality Assurance, Procurement, Customer & Sensory Research, Brand Management, Regulatory, H-E-B Manufacturing / Co-packers, Global Sourcing, Culinary / R&D Chefs, Suppliers, and other key stakeholders.- Coordinates / manages logistics for product evaluations (sample preparation, sample procurement, documentation, set up, facilitation, cleanup, communication with key stakeholders)
- May leverage Product Development Assistant support in special circumstances or highly complex product evaluations
- Ensures products are successfully developed to meet quality standards, attribute, and financial goals and objectives
- Cross-trains in Stores and H-E-B Manufacturing for professional development and knowledge building
- Participates in / coordinates special projects as assignedWhat is your background?
- A related degree or comparable formal training, certification, or work experience in food industry
- 3+ years of experience in food or beverage product development, or comparable experience in related work
- Experience in project managementDo you have what it takes to be a fit as an H-E-B PDM I?
- Strong project management skills with proactive and self-led task 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 while giving 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 with and influence others and lead activities for efficiency
- Initiative - willingness to take calculated risks and collaborate with key partners for alignment
- Creative aptitude - a passion to work with products, packaging, and productionCan you...
- Function in a fast-paced environment
- Travel by car or plane with overnight stays in Texas and domestically
- Work extended hours; sit for extended periods
- Regularly lift 20 lbs or more02-2023

H-E-B