Manager IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

12d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Food and Drug Unit Director, the manager performs highly advanced, complex senior-level managerial work managing the daily operations and functions of the Foods Branch. Manages, plans, and coordinates the performance of statewide programs. Provides technical expertise, oversight, and direction to staff and functions. The position sets goals for staff, establishes priorities, plans, assigns, supervises their work, and is responsible for performance measures and outcomes. Responsible for employing appropriate organizational and management skills to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, schedules, and standards for staff and operations. Work involves evaluating resources, approving purchase requests and travel expenditures, developing guidelines, evaluating business functions and procedures for programs within the Branch. Identifies areas of process improvement and implements change. Prepares or approves responses to legislative requests and public inquiries. Contributes to the development of department administrative rules.
The manager is responsible for oversight of and coordination of the Branch program-related projects and initiatives. Represents the respective programs in cross-functional and other workgroup meetings. Collaborates as needed with section and division executives, program directors, vendors/contractors, and external stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the State of Texas legislative processes and initiatives.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret or implement state or federal laws affecting department programs.
• Knowledge of program principles, practices, processes, and procedures.
• Knowledge of training regimens and techniques for new and established staff.
• Knowledge of the rulemaking process.
• Knowledge of regulatory principles and processes.
• Knowledge of leadership principles and how to deal with various leadership styles.
• Knowledge of the principles of effective management.
• Knowledge of information technology, department legal processes, and business-related expenditures and services.
• Skill in strategic planning, executing, and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in the management of department resources.
• Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Ability to review business processes/functions and utilize the information to ensure resources are appropriately allocated.
• Ability to develop, implement, communicate, and lead an organizational vision.
• Ability to promote and support creative thinking.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to lead, implement, and balance change and continuity to continually strive to improve program performance within the basic state government framework.
• Ability to implement and use new technology and work processes to enhance decision-making.
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups.
• Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of policies and programs.
• Ability to develop appropriate reports and other documentation.
• Five (5) years of experience in a field related to conducting regulatory inspections, overseeing regulatory inspections, or conducting regulatory foods inspections.
• At least 4 years of experience in planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in science (biology, agricultural science, science-based degree) is generally preferred.
• Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Develops work plans, assigns and tracks inspections, and coordinates special investigations
• Coordinates inspections with federal counterparts
• Serves as technical resource for inspectors
• Ensures efficient travel by inspectors and endorses monthly travel vouchers
• Acts as  Food Branch contact for emergencies
• Ensure staff are certified to conduct contract inspections as required.
• Ensure that contract inspections, routine inspections, and special investigations are conducted within specified time frames.
• Upon request, it provides input into contract and partnership negotiations.
• May conduct inspections or special investigations in specific instances.
• Supervises Food Branch inspection and support staff.
• Develops performance standards, documents performance, including quarterly reviews, disciplines employees as necessary, and recommends merits.
• Post job vacancies, conduct interviews, and hire and terminate staff.
• Assists the Food and Drug Unit Director and staff from the Foods Operation Branch in determining the training needs of the inspection staff, the quality of inspections, and the regulatory status of establishments under inspection by the Food Branch.
• May participate in legal actions related to inspections and investigations conducted by the program, including testifying in court.
• May act as a resource witness on food and drug matters at legislative hearings.
• Responds to requests for information and assistance from the public, regulated industry, the media, other federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders; gives public presentations on subjects related to food safety.
• Prepares highly technical and complex reports as requested by the Unit or agency, related to foods, and the operations of the Branch, using Microsoft Office and/or WordPerfect Suite 8, appropriate databases, and graphics software.
• Completes other duties as assigned.
• Other duties assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees