Public Health Licensing Manager - Mobile Food & Retail

Date: May 20, 2026 Location: AUSTIN, TX DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us. Job Description Under the direction of the Food and Drug Section Director, performs highly advanced, senior‑level managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of the Mobile Food Vendor and Retail Licensing Branch. Provides technical expertise, oversight, and direction to staff and program functions. Establishes goals; sets priorities; plans and assigns work; supervises staff performance; and is accountable for performance measures, outcomes, and program effectiveness. Essential Job Functions

• 30%) Oversees daily management of operations and complex business support for the Mobile Food Vendors and Retail licensing program within the Food and Drug Section. Ensures effective and efficient delivery of Branch operations. Reviews business processes and utilizes the information to ensure resources are appropriately allocated to maintain an appropriate organizational structure that supports the needs of the Branch areas. Develops Branch budget requests and assists section director in monitoring budget and approves office and travel related expenditures. Sets goals for staff, establishes priorities, plans, assigns, supervises their work, and is responsible for developing appropriate performance measures for the Branch. Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, and benchmark studies to provide direction and guidance to staff. Prepares or oversees the preparation of ad hoc reports and information for division leadership as requested.
• 25%) Directs the statewide food and drug licensing program to maintain performance measure targets for the Food and Drug section. Ensures that license applications are appropriately reviewed and handled in the period specified for the programs. Ensures compliance with laws and ensures staff obtain required training. Provides ideas for streamlining Branch operations and developing enhancements to the programs within the Food and Drug section. Works with other sections on the preparation and completion of grants with federal agencies and/or other department contract activities.
• 20%) Works closely with the section director, the Consumer Protection Division Deputy Commissioner, and the Associate Deputy Commissioner to evaluate Branch operations and make recommendations for improvement and implements recommendations. Develops short‑ and long‑term plans and specific strategic activities to achieve Branch performance goals. Provides technical expertise, oversight and direction to Branch staff and functions. Reviews and/or approves reports and other documentation received from direct reports. Prepares responses to legislative or public requests upon request. Contributes to the development of department administrative rules. Assists with the preparation, development, reviews, and/or revision of legislation and assists with the agency’s position regarding legislative impact. Testifies at hearings and legislative meetings as requested. Implements or oversees implementation of new legislation.
• 20%) Manages highly specialized staff or technical staff, including hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. Develops and documents goals, standards, policies, procedures, guidelines, schedules and standards for staff and monitors performance.
• 5%) Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to participating in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Participation may require an alternate shift pattern.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of 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 and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. Skill in problem solving. Skill in 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 customer service and 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. Initial Selection Criteria Excellent written communications as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application. Minimum of five years ensuring effective and efficient support of a program and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. At least four years of leadership, management, or direction of a program. Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in biology, chemistry, or environmental science is preferred. 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). Other Information Telework: Not Eligible. Travel: up to 25%. Shift: Day. Full time. Exempt. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Nearest Major Market: Austin #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Department of State Health Services