R&D Bakery Lead: Product Innovation & Portfolio

H-E-B Manufacturing's goal is to achieve superior self-manufactured products through high quality, low cost products and services. Our self-manufacturing Research and Development team supports product development for 11 food manufacturing plants, with a goal of helping H-E-B stay 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... desire to teach / train? HEAD FOR BUSINESS... expertise and creativity to critically evaluate and improve products through development? PASSION FOR RESULTS... ability to innovate / drive key product attributes and variables that affect our success? We are looking for:

• an MS or PhD in food technology / food science, engineering, or related field, and 8+ years of related experience, or a BS and 10+ years of relevant experience
• experience influencing decisions in a highly complex, competitive food manufacturing environment at all organizational levels
• experience in portfolio management, including timeline / financial / quality KPI management

What is the work?

• Manages R&D Partners, including training and development, delivering on-time performance appraisals; provides feedback, coaching, and mentoring to ensure Partners can meet individual accountabilities and grow their careers
• Performs broad product development activities as assigned on a per project basis; collaborates with multiple teams and suppliers throughout project scope
• Maximizes supplier capabilities to develop the product portfolio throughout the full lifecycle of product development and design process
• Negotiates with suppliers and other external stakeholders to develop procurement contracts and ensure adherence to specifications and legal agreements
• Manages R&D budget through financial estimation and project feasibility analysis; works with plant management, Procurement, and Own Brands to ensure ROI goals are achieved
• Leads efforts to establish industry-leading specifications for Own Brand products with suppliers that reflect the essential quality parameters for customer delight, success
• Develops action plans with QA / Own Brand for products requiring quality improvements (maintenance); manages these projects to completion
• Leads product evaluations on behalf of the category team; collaborates with Customer Insights / Research Team on customer panel evaluations
• Participates in / contributes to all aspects of product design, including new idea generation, prototype development, competitive assessments, and technical / regulatory / food safety compliance
• Develops / leads / manages highly-complex and strategic Own Brand and H-E-B programs / initiatives (e.g., Select Ingredients) to support company business goals
• Ensures designs and product objectives support merchant category plans, assortment strategies, price point, and overall creative direction
• Researches / analyzes industry technology trends and consumer trends to advise H-E-B Partners, teams on how to bring the best solutions to customers and businesses
• Plays a key role in capital planning process; identifies future processing / packaging technologies required for new product categories; provides formula and processing financials for development of capital business requests
• Works with plant management, BDM, Own Brand to develop multi-year project plans; establishes annualized incremental profit goals

What is your background?

• Master of science in food technology / food science, engineering, or related field, and 8+ years of related experience, or a
• Bachelor of science degree and 10+ years of relevant experience
• Technical training related to sensory evaluations and experimental design
• Extensive experience in project management, including application of stage-gate methodology
• Experience influencing decisions in a highly complex, competitive food manufacturing environment at all organizational levels
• Experience in branded food product development
• Experience in portfolio management, including timeline / financial / quality KPI management

Do you have what it takes to be a fit as a Manager of R&D at H-E-B?

• Expert knowledge of HACCP, USDA, OSHA, FDA, Potentially Hazardous Foods, and state weight and measure requirements
• Expert knowledge of the private label retail food business environment and metrics
• Advanced working knowledge of industry, EEOC, and employment laws, and related compliance requirements
• Expert knowledge of technology / consumer trends and how to identify / define key product quality and sensory attributes
• Expert knowledge of product development, including manufacturing, packaging ingredients and nutrition
• Technical knowledge of food production equipment
• Expert understanding of consumer retail products, financial assessment, and capital planning
• Expert verbal / written communication and presentation skills that translate on an international scale
• Advanced mathematical / analytical skills
• Advanced computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, D365, Genesis R&D Food Labeling Software )
• Advanced negotiating / influencing skills
• Advanced troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to effectively teach complex technical information to a non-technical audience
• Ability to understand business objectives, and how technical solutions must fit within business realities
• Ability to lead and motivate exempt and exempt Partners, one-on-one or in teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and shift focus between projects; attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work complex issues with senior management, and lead / influence internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to make key decisions on a daily basis while seeking perspective and input
• Ability to take initiative; willingness to take calculated risks and collaborate with key partners for alignment

Can you...

• Function in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment
• Travel by car or plane with overnight stays, with possible international travel

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