Innovation Manager III – AI Strategy Focus bei H-E-B

H-E-B Emerging Technology & Innovation (ETI) Team is dedicated to driving transformational change by discovering, learning, and recommending technologies that improve the lives of our customers and Partners. We focus on identifying high-impact innovations and translating them into strategic capabilities for the enterprise.

As an Innovation Manager III – AI Strategy Focus, you will contribute to shaping H-E-B’s approach to artificial intelligence by helping identify, assess, and support the deployment of AI-driven business cases across the organization. You’ll work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to explore emerging AI technologies and translate them into practical, value-driven solutions.

You will:

• Support the development and refinement of H-E-B’s AI strategy in alignment with business priorities.
• Identify and evaluate AI use cases across retail, supply chain, and operations, helping teams move from concept to pilot.
• Collaborate with digital, business, and vendor teams to ensure AI initiatives are feasible, scalable, and aligned with enterprise goals.
• Stay informed on emerging AI trends and technologies and help assess their relevance and potential impact.
• Contribute to building internal awareness and understanding of AI opportunities and responsible adoption practices.

This role is a gated classification reserved for high-talent, high-potential Partners. Once eligible, you'll become an Owner in the company, so we're looking for commitment, hard work, and a 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 help others live better via technology?
HEAD FOR BUSINESS... initiative, willingness to take risks to strengthen the organization?
PASSION FOR RESULTS... drive to foster a team that creates the future?

We are looking for:
- 7+ years of industry experience

What is the work?
Management / Information Technology:
- Influences peers and senior management on strategic allocation of resources and project prioritization
- Creates / articulates ETI team goals- and objectives-related development processes
- Provides strategic input to develop short- and long-range business objectives related to specific, distinctive emerging technology and innovation goals
- Serves and a thought leader and mentor to Innovation Mgrs I and II on strategic and tactical issues
- May oversee / supervise Innovation Mgrs I and II
- Performs Innovation Mgr II duties

What is your background?
- A related degree or comparable formal training, certification, or experience
- 7+ years of experience in the industry
- 4+ years of experience at a senior management level
- Experience in businesses, technologies, and innovation-type initiatives / projects
- Experience in incubation / execution of entrepreneurial ventures and orchestrated commercialization plans for breakthrough consumer solutions
- Experience successfully conducting / executing ideation processes
- Experience in emerging technology and innovation management
- Experience successfully working strategic business issues with senior management

Do you have what it takes to be a fit as an H-E-B Innovation Manager III?
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Advanced facilitating, negotiating, and influencing, skills
- Advanced communication skills
- Advanced project management skills
- Strong collaborating skills
- Strong entrepreneurial leadership skills
- Ability to build lasting relationships
- Ability to lead in a complex, matrix team environment
- Ability to make critical decisions
- Ability to manage multiple projects; attention to detail

Can you...
- Function in a fast-paced environment
- Travel by car or plane with overnight stays

09-2022