Manager IV

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.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Functional Title: Manager IV 
Job Title: Manager IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 13203 
Closing Date: 02/11/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM) 
Other Locations: Dallas 
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX 
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15 
 
 

Under the direction of the Food and Drug Unit Director, the manager performs highly advanced, complex senior-level managerial work managing the daily operations and functions of the Foods Branch. Manages, plans, and coordinates the performance of statewide programs. Provides technical expertise, oversight, and direction to staff and functions. The position sets goals for staff, establishes priorities, plans, assigns, supervises their work, and is responsible for performance measures and outcomes. Responsible for employing appropriate organizational and management skills to develop policies, procedures, guidelines, schedules, and standards for staff and operations. Work involves evaluating resources, approving purchase requests and travel expenditures, developing guidelines, evaluating business functions and procedures for programs within the Branch. Identifies areas of process improvement and implements change. Prepares or approves responses to legislative requests and public inquiries. Contributes to the development of department administrative rules.

The manager is responsible for oversight of and coordination of the Branch program-related projects and initiatives. Represents the respective programs in cross-functional and other workgroup meetings. Collaborates as needed with section and division executives, program directors, vendors/contractors, and external stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
(50%) Develops work plans, assigns and tracks inspections, and coordinates special investigations; Coordinates inspections with federal counterparts; Serves as technical resource for inspectors; Ensures efficient travel by inspectors and endorses monthly travel vouchers; Acts as  Food Branch contact for emergencies. Ensure staff are certified to conduct contract inspections as required. Ensure that contract inspections, routine inspections, and special investigations are conducted within specified time frames. Upon request, it provides input into contract and partnership negotiations. May conduct inspections or special investigations in specific instances.
(20%) Supervises Food Branch inspection and support staff. Develops performance standards, documents performance, including quarterly reviews, disciplines employees as necessary, and recommends merits. Post job vacancies, conduct interviews, and hire and terminate staff.
(15%) Assists the Food and Drug Unit Director and staff from the Foods Operation Branch in determining the training needs of the inspection staff, the quality of inspections, and the regulatory status of establishments under inspection by the Food Branch. May participate in legal actions related to inspections and investigations conducted by the program, including testifying in court. May act as a resource witness on food and drug matters at legislative hearings.
(5%) Responds to requests for information and assistance from the public, regulated industry, the media, other federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders; gives public presentations on subjects related to food safety.
(5%) Prepares highly technical and complex reports as requested by the Unit or agency, related to foods, and the operations of the Branch, using Microsoft Office and/or WordPerfect Suite 8, appropriate databases, and graphics software. Completes other duties as assigned.
(5%) Other duties assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of the 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, executing, and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in problem-solving.
Skill in the 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 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.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION:
N/A  

Initial Selection Criteria:
Five (5) years of experience in a field related to conducting regulatory inspections, overseeing regulatory inspections, or conducting regulatory foods inspections.
At least 4 years of experience in planning, assigning, and/or supervising the work of others.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in science (biology, agricultural science, science-based degree) is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Information:

Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.
Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties in a way that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at a minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.
RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application. Information on the application must clearly state how the applicant meets the initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.
This position’s ability to telework will be determined by agency and division telework policies and will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions.
Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for any potential changes to their current salary.
Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.
Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.
Consideration will also be given to known past job performance, if applicable, and prior work history.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form