Product Development Manager I (Formulated/Constructed)

H-E-B•San Antonio, TX

34d•Hybrid

About The Position

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? What is the work? Product Development / Project Management: Guides the Own Brand (private label) product development process, including new idea generation, prototype development, product validation, category and competitive product assessments, specifications, shelf life and technical / regulatory / safety compliance Contributes to generation of new ideas, methods, and technology; applies consumer research, trend analysis, and industry intelligence; intentionally spends time on non-project specific trend / innovation research Develops products, lines, and business strategies within the Household Cleaning and Paper/Plastic Goods categories based on supplier capability, capacity, and feasibility Collaborates with suppliers / other external stakeholders to ensure highest quality products while maintaining brand loyalty, increasing profitability, and being mindful of business relationships Provides technical / business knowledge to influence applicable capital investment projects or process modifications to deliver innovation, improve quality, and reduce cost Leads product evaluations on behalf of the category team; collaborates with the Consumer Insights / research team on customer panel evaluations Adapts development and product validation strategy to business needs; considers / implements tools that fit development objectives and risk level Develops industry-leading specifications for Own Brand products with suppliers that reflect the essential quality parameters for customer delight and product success Fosters sharing of knowledge; leads initiatives; trains / mentors Partners on effective project management and technical contribution

Requirements

3+ of experience in product development, or comparable experience in related work
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or comparable formal training, certification, or work experience
3+ years of experience in the retail Household Cleaning industry
2+ years of experience in product development
Strong knowledge of product development, including manufacturing, ingredients and packaging, and specifications for quality
Strong knowledge of technology / consumer trends and how to identify / define key product quality / performance and sensory attributes
Retail merchant knowledge
Understanding of how to meet merchant strategic and business objectives, and how technical solutions must fit within business realities
Verbal / written communication skills that translate on an international scale
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Intermediate negotiating and influencing skills
Proficiency in MS Office applications
Ability to manage multiple priorities / deadlines; attention to detail
Ability to work in a team environment
Ability to make daily key decisions while seeking out perspective and input from others
Ability to teach complex technical information to a non-technical audience
Ability to take initiative; willingness to take calculated risks and collaborate with key partners for alignment
Creative aptitude; a passion to work with products
Function in a fast-paced, retail, hybrid office environment
Travel by car or plane with overnight stays, with some international travel
Work extended hours; sit for extended periods
Regularly lift 20 lbs or more

Nice To Haves

Experience with developing baked goods and confections preferred, but not required
Experience in manufacturing preferred, but not required
Experience in EPA certification
Experience with packaging and sustainability
Experience in project management
Experience influencing decisions in a highly complex, competitive retail environment

Responsibilities

Guides the Own Brand (private label) product development process, including new idea generation, prototype development, product validation, category and competitive product assessments, specifications, shelf life and technical / regulatory / safety compliance
Contributes to generation of new ideas, methods, and technology; applies consumer research, trend analysis, and industry intelligence; intentionally spends time on non-project specific trend / innovation research
Develops products, lines, and business strategies within the Household Cleaning and Paper/Plastic Goods categories based on supplier capability, capacity, and feasibility
Collaborates with suppliers / other external stakeholders to ensure highest quality products while maintaining brand loyalty, increasing profitability, and being mindful of business relationships
Provides technical / business knowledge to influence applicable capital investment projects or process modifications to deliver innovation, improve quality, and reduce cost
Leads product evaluations on behalf of the category team; collaborates with the Consumer Insights / research team on customer panel evaluations
Adapts development and product validation strategy to business needs; considers / implements tools that fit development objectives and risk level
Develops industry-leading specifications for Own Brand products with suppliers that reflect the essential quality parameters for customer delight and product success
Fosters sharing of knowledge; leads initiatives; trains / mentors Partners on effective project management and technical contribution

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