Responsibilities 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'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 Cheese preferred, but not required - Experience in manufacturing preferred, but not required What is the work? Management / Project Management: - Independently learns, leads and participates in all Deli product development and maintenance activities related to entertaining/catering, and other associated product categories - Manages key product and packaging initiatives and strategies to execute against realistic, deliverable timelines with cross-functional stakeholders - Leads 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 of Deli products, such as: cheese, antipasti, party trays, catering, dips, crackers, and other cheese & entertaining focused categories. - Learns / participates in decision-making on competitive analysis and evaluations, project planning, product development, analytical testing, manufacturing, and other key stakeholders - Individually manages product development for select categories; may work with / support PDMs on projects - Works collaboratively with Quality Assurance, Procurement, Customer & Sensory Research, Brand Management, Regulatory, H-E-B 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 - Ccoordinates / 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 assigned What is your background? - 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 Do you have what it takes to be a fit as an H-E-B PDM I? - 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) Can you... - 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