H-E-B is one of the nation's largest, independently-owned food retailers, operating over 400 stores throughout Texas and Mexico, with annual sales generating over $31 billion. Our Quality Assurance Team is committed to delivering safe food and consumer products that meet H-E-B quality expectations. With a broad product portfolio, focus areas include fresh and shelf-stable food, foodservice, and products sold in our Health & Wellness and other consumer product areas. We assure safe products from supplier to customers' homes.

As a Product Quality Manager I, you'll manage individual business category work for product development, supplier and product qualification and maintenance. You'll collaborate with multiple teams and suppliers throughout project execution.

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... willingness to cultivate collaborative, business-building relationships?

HEAD FOR BUSINESS... operational knowledge in manufacturing systems, QM principles, and product safety / quality?

PASSION FOR RESULTS... drive to ensure testing / auditing complies with H-E-B and regulatory standards?

We are looking for:

• a degree in food science, physical, life, or applied science, such as engineering, or related field
• quality assurance experience in a manufacturing setting
  
  

What is the work?

Management / Quality Assurance:

• Develops / maintains OB products or products perceived by customers as H-E-B's; follows established development / maintenance processes for products, including supplier assessments, product specification management, first production approval, and planned maintenance assessments of suppliers / products based on established risks
• Manages product development projects, risk assessments, supplier assessments, product specifications, maintenance program, quality management processes; effectively responds to supplier and product issues
• Ensures product specifications are adequately defined to meet customer / business requirements
• Participates in cross-functional QA food and product lifecycle programs, and supply chain security and social responsibility programs as assigned
• Serves as a knowledgeable resource in assigned business categories for product development, supplier management, food / product safety and quality; builds an effective working relationship with leader
• Builds professional working relationships with suppliers; effectively holds suppliers accountable to H-E-B standards
• Maintains strong working relationships with Product Development Managers, Own Brand Managers, Sourcing Managers, and other business team members
• Directs suppliers / vendors to achieve product execution and maintenance of design; objectively assesses supplier manufacturing and quality systems to ensure they meet H-E-B standards and intended lifecycle or shelf-life
• Applies knowledge to assigned categories in these areas:
• Statistical tools / statistical process control (SPC)
• Principles of product development, supplier management, food / product safety and quality
• Current / proposed regulations that may affect assigned business categories
• Prerequisite programs, including integrated pest management, GMPs, allergen control programs, prevention of foreign material contamination, master sanitation programs, food fraud, preventive equipment maintenance, and how to assess prerequisite programs
• OB / QA / Procurement business objectives and goals
• Follows cost savings and reduction measures for assigned area
• May perform Sr Product Quality Technologist tasks as needed
  
  

Compliance:

• Performs a broad range of quality assurance activities to mitigate product risk as assigned on a project basis; collaborates with multiple internal / external teams and suppliers throughout project scope
• Conducts risk assessments to determine risk levels associated with suppliers, products, processes, and projects; communicates potential / realized risk to leader
• Researches / analyzes local, state, federal and international regulatory requirements for assigned categories and products
• Determines supplier compliance with FSMA / other applicable international, federal, state, and local regulations in assigned categories
• Ensures H-E-B suppliers meet established standards for food / product safety and quality; notifies leader of poor supplier performance and ensures effective, timely supplier corrective actions
• Supports implementation of department processes, standards, policies, and projects in a timely manner
  
  

What is your background?

• Bachelor's degree in food science, physical, life, or applied science, such as engineering, or related field (master's / graduate degree preferred)
• 7+ years of related experience
• 2+ years of experience in quality systems auditing
• Experience working in a team environment and influencing business decisions
• Experience in quality assurance in a manufacturing setting (preferred)
• Experience in retail or consumer products (preferred)
• Industry-specific certifications / training based on area(s) of responsibility
  
  

Do you have what it takes to be a fit as an H-E-B Product Quality Manager I?

• Fundamental operational knowledge in manufacturing systems, product safety and quality management, HACCP / HARPC, GMP, sanitation standard operating procedures, statistical process control, and risk assessment
• Understanding of GFSI-related and industry requirements
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Proficiency in planning / scheduling tools
• Strong verbal / written communication skills that translate on an international scale
• Ability to conduct product safety risk assessments to ensure due diligence to local, state, and federal requirements
• Strong problem-solving, influencing, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities / projects and shift focus between tasks
• Ability to work independently and communicate with leader as needed
  
  

Can you...

• Function in a fast-paced, retail office environment
• Walk for extended periods
• Work extended hours
• Travel (up to 60-70%) by car or plane with overnight stays
  
  

04-2019