Product Development Mgr I (General Merchandise)

H-E-B; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery retailer is seeking a Product Development Manager I (General Merchandise) to support product and packaging initiatives. This role involves collaboration across various departments to ensure quality and financial goals are met. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of product development experience and strong project management capabilities. The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Willingness to travel and work extended hours is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of product development experience in General Merchandise or similar.
• Experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and travel.
• Willingness to work extended hours and lift 20 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Builds and executes product development activities for assigned categories.
• Manages key product and packaging initiatives.
• Performs competitive analysis and product evaluations.
• Collaborates with Quality Assurance and suppliers.
• Coordinates special projects and product evaluation logistics.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong verbal and written communication

Analytic skills

Problem-solving

Self-motivation

Education

Related degree or formal training

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Apply now for the Product Development Manager I (General Merchandise) role at H‑E‑B.

Responsibilities

Creating an emotional link between our products and customers, the Product Development Manager supports product and packaging initiatives across multiple categories, driving excellence in design, evaluation, supplier engagement, technology, and project execution.

• Builds and executes product development and maintenance activities for assigned General Merchandise categories, working with a Manager & Product Development Manager (PDM) trainer.
• Manages key product and packaging initiatives, ensuring realistic, deliverable timelines with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Performs competitive analysis, product evaluations, specification documentation, and ingredient & nutrition disciplines with PDM trainer.
• Contributes to 5‑year category planning and supports decision‑making on manufacturing and analytical testing.
• Collaborates with Quality Assurance, Procurement, Consumer Insights, Own Brand Managers, Regulatory, Global Sourcing, suppliers, etc.
• Ensures products meet quality, attribute, and financial goals.
• Coordinates special projects and assists with product evaluation logistics (sample prep, procurement, documentation).

Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of product development experience in General Merchandise or comparable related work.

• A related degree or formal training, certification, or experience.
• Experience in project management and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong verbal and written communication, presentation, analytic, problem‑solving, negotiating, and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, provide proactive solutions, and work with senior colleagues.
• Willingness to travel by car or plane with overnight stays, work extended hours, sit for extended periods, and lift 20 lbs or more.

What We’re Looking For

• Heart for people: collaborative, cross‑functional influence.
• Head for business: mastery of H‑E‑B product development processes.
• Passion for results: drive to manage product development in your own category.