Product Development Manager I (Deli / Processed Meats & Cheeses

H-E-B - San Antonio, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

San Antonio, TX

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

The Product Development Manager I (Deli / Processed Meats & Cheeses) at H-E-B is responsible for managing product and packaging initiatives within the processed meat and cheese categories. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product development that meets quality, financial, and customer satisfaction goals. The position requires a strong understanding of product development processes and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Independently learn and participate in all product development and maintenance activities related to Processed Meat and Cheese categories.
• Manage key product and packaging initiatives and strategies to execute against realistic, deliverable timelines with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participate in processes to understand market trends, product development practices, product evaluations, and specification documentation.
• Contribute to category 5-year planning in Processed Meat and Cheese.
• Learn and participate in decision-making on competitive analysis, project planning, product development, and related maintenance.
• Individually manage product development for select categories and support PDMs on projects.
• Collaborate with QA, Procurement, CIC, OBMs, Regulatory, Self-Manufacturing, Global Sourcing, Culinary/R&D Chefs, and suppliers.
• Ensure products are developed to meet quality, attribute, and financial goals.
• Cross-train in Stores and Self-Manufacturing for professional development.
• Participate in and coordinate special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in product development or comparable experience in Meat Science, Animal Science, or Food Science.
• Strong working knowledge of consumer trends and product quality attributes.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate and navigate at all company levels.
• Ability to collaborate and solve problems cross-functionally.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in project management in the food industry.
• Creative aptitude and a passion for working with food products.

Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunities after eligibility.
• Professional development and training programs.