Lead, R&D Manager

H-E-B; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

H-E-B in Texas seeks a Senior Director of Research & Development to lead strategic product development, drive innovation, and ensure technical excellence across complex projects. You will mentor cross-functional teams and align initiatives with business goals.

As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, you will oversee regulatory strategy, packaging and labeling standards, and supplier negotiations, while championing cost-saving and quality improvements across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant experience in R&D, product development, and leadership.
• Expert knowledge of HACCP, regulatory frameworks (US and global).
• Deep understanding of consumer behavior, sensory science, and product quality metrics.
• Mastery of stage-gate and agile development methodologies.
• Strong statistics and data analysis capabilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office and R&D software tools.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• High-level negotiation and stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and align to enterprise goals.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects.
• Thought leadership in R&D and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Leads large-scale cross-functional product development initiatives from concept to commercialization.
• Develops long-term innovation roadmaps based on consumer insights, industry trends, and strategic goals.
• Sets functional policy and procedures for R&D operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and merchant strategy.
• Advises senior leadership with scientific, regulatory, and market-based evidence.
• Provides subject matter expertise in specialized fields and emerging technologies.
• Oversees supplier relationships, including complex negotiations and contract development.
• Leads regulatory and compliance strategy for new product categories and markets.
• Develops and approves product specifications and BOMs reflecting quality and regulatory standards.
• Directs feasibility studies and profitability analyses for new products.
• Oversees laboratory operations and advanced testing protocols for new processes.
• Advises on patent strategy and intellectual property development.
• Champions advanced research and cost optimization across portfolio.
• Reviews and approves packaging artwork for regulatory compliance.
• Mentors and develops R&D talent across levels.
• Represents R&D in enterprise-wide strategy and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

HACCP/Regulatory

Consumer Insights

Product Development

Stage-Gate/Agile

Data Analysis

MS Office

R&D Tools

Executive Communication

Negotiation

Cross-Functional Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Project Management

Business Acumen

Thought Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or related experience

Tools

MS Office Suite

R&D Software Tools

Job description

Job Summary: Lead strategic product development initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure technical excellence across complex, multi-layered projects. You\'ll serve as a subject matter expert, mentor, and cross-functional leader, guiding teams in the development of breakthrough products and technologies that align with business goals and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Leads large-scale, cross-functional product development initiatives across multiple categories and departments, from concept to commercialization
• Develops and executes long-term innovation roadmaps based on advanced consumer insights, industry trends, and strategic business goals
• Sets functional policy and procedures for R&D operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and merchant category strategy
• Serves as a technical advisor to senior leadership, influencing decisions with scientific, regulatory, and market-based evidence
• Provides subject matter expertise in specialized fields (e.g., dairy, bakery, meat, beverage, snacks) and emerging technologies
• Oversees supplier relationships, including complex negotiations and contract development for high-impact initiatives
• Leads regulatory and compliance strategy for new product categories and markets
• Develops and approves product specifications and BOMs that reflect advanced quality, sensory, and regulatory standards
• Directs feasibility studies and profitability analyses for new products and technologies across multiple plans
• Oversees laboratory operations and advanced testing protocols to validate new processes and formulations
• Advises on patent strategy and intellectual property development
• Champions advanced research and continuous improvement initiatives, including cost optimization across product portfolio
• Reviews and approves packaging artwork for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Mentors and develops R&D talent across all levels, fostering technical growth and cross-functional collaboration
• Represents R&D in enterprise-wide strategic planning, innovation forums, and cross-functional initiatives beyond Own Brand

Note: The responsibilities and essential functions outlined above describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at any time based on business needs. Employees may be required to perform other job-related tasks as requested by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations

Qualifications & Key Requirements

Work Experience:

• Experience: 10+ years Relevant experience - P

Knowledge/Skills:

• Abilities: Expert knowledge of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and global regulatory frameworks
• Required Deep understanding of consumer behavior, sensory science, and product quality metrics
• Required Advanced expertise in product development, manufacturing, packaging, and nutrition
• Required Mastery of stage-gate and agile development methodologies
• Required Strong statistical modeling and data analysis capabilities
• Required Advanced proficiency in MS Office and R&D software tools
• Required Exceptional communication and presentation skills for executive audiences
• Required High-level negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Required Strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Required Ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and technical staff
• Required Strong business acumen and ability to align technical solutions with enterprise goals
• Required Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously
• Required Thought leadership in R&D and innovation

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree or additional role-relevant experience

Licenses/ Certifications:

• Physical Demands & Work Conditions: Function in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment; Sit for extended periods; Regularly lift 20 lbs or more; Work extended hours

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Partner encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.