Product Development Mgr I - Bakery (Fresh)

H-E-B - San Antonio, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

San Antonio, TX

10,001+ employees

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

As a Product Development Manager I (PDM I) at H-E-B, you will play a crucial role in the Center for Excellence for Retail Product Development. Your primary responsibility will be to create an emotional connection between the products we develop and our customers. This involves understanding and implementing best practices for product design, evaluation, supplier engagement, and project execution. You will support various product and packaging initiatives across multiple categories, ensuring that H-E-B remains competitive in the omnichannel retail space and continues to delight our customers. In this initial-level management role, you will independently learn and participate in all product development and maintenance activities related to your assigned categories. You will manage key product and packaging initiatives, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to execute projects within realistic timelines. Your role will also involve understanding market trends, product evaluations, and the nutritional aspects of the products you manage. You will contribute to the long-term planning of your category and participate in decision-making processes regarding competitive analysis and project planning. Collaboration is key in this position, as you will work with various departments including Quality Assurance, Procurement, Regulatory, and Culinary teams. You will ensure that products meet quality standards and financial objectives while also participating in special projects as assigned. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to cross-train in Stores and Self-Manufacturing to enhance your professional development and knowledge base. This role requires a strong commitment to quality and customer service, as well as a passion for product development.

Responsibilities

• Independently learn and participate in all product development and maintenance activities related to specific categories assigned.
• 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 and decision-making on competitive analysis and evaluations.
• Individually manage product development for select categories and support PDMs on projects as needed.
• Collaborate with QA, Procurement, CIC, OBMs, Regulatory, Self-Manufacturing, Global Sourcing, and Culinary teams to ensure product quality and financial goals are met.
• Cross-train in Stores and Self-Manufacturing for professional development.
• Participate in and coordinate special projects as assigned.
• Perform Product Development Assistant project duties, including logistics for product evaluations.

Requirements

• 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 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 MS 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.
• Ability to work through complex issues with senior colleagues.
• Ability to provide proactive solutions with limited direction.
• Creative aptitude and a passion for working with products.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the food industry or related sectors.
• Familiarity with sensory evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for food products.

Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunities after eligibility.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee discounts on products and services.