The American Heart Association (AHA) has an excellent opportunity for a Manager, Heart-Check Nutrition Operations at our office located in Dallas, TX.
Manages and enhances keynutrition operational systemsof the AHA Heart-Check Food , Recipe and Meal Certification Programs by conducting product pass/fail analysis using H-C proprietary Product Compliance System (PCS) database or other tools/programs as necessary (e.g. Excel); Supports web portal functionality, specifically nutrition profile and product packaging images; assists with product evaluation, ad-hoc queries, etc. using the departments 3 rd party nutrient database (Label Insight);; Supports PCS architecture and system integrity, including guideline programming, metric and report generation and data quality controls; Coordinates support for product lab testing requirements and random testing procedures (including food product acquisition and/or restaurant secret shopper components); Conducts nutrition analysis for AHA Corporate Relations product pre-screening/sponsorship opportunities as requested by Senior team leadership.
Conductspackaging and promotional reviewsof certified products, recipes and/or menu items for compliance with AHA branding guidelines and Heart-Check graphic standards. Responsible for the review and approval of product packaging, promotions and/or menu/menu board materials for all certified items; Coaches companies on appropriate and effective use of the Heart-Check mark on package and in promotions; Reviews for appropriateness/consistency of nutritional messaging and submission for science review/approval as required; Tracks/reports participant promotional activity; Manages the development and implementation of web-based tools and tips for participants.
Maintains a working knowledge and understanding ofFDA/USDA regulatory requirementsrelated to food product and restaurant menu labeling and health claim compliance requirements.
Food, Recipe and meal application & renewal and account management process:
- Conducts accurate nutritional reviews to determine compliance with program criteria and approves qualified products, recipes or restaurant meals for participation.
- Collaborates with Business Development Managers as necessary to provide nutrition related customer service.
- Consistently maintains integrity of the AHA Heart-Check Certification Programs through correct application of AHA Science positions and FDA/USDA health claim regulations.
- Consults with Sr. Manager, Nutrition Operations and/or Sr. Manager, Business Development as appropriate to evaluate exceptional product and complex nutritional issues; makes thoughtful suggestions.
- Communicates nutrition, packaging and/or promotional review status/outcomes to customers and manages follow-up actions as appropriate.
- Assists with Product Compliance System maintenance/data integrity, architecture, guideline programming, metric and report generation; manages relationship between H-C team and appropriate AHA technology services staff and Product Compliance Database consultant.
- Manages process for product lab testing and random testing procedures (including food product acquisition and/or restaurant secret shopper components)
- Nutrition analysis/support for AHA Corporate Relations product pre-screening/sponsorship opportunities or as otherwise instructed by Senior team leadership
- Maintains appropriate customer account files through utilization of shared file programs, team communication, and electronic communication.
- Facilitates efficient workflow processes within the team by maintaining, revising, and creating SOPs.
Manages packaging and promotional review process:
- Manages the review and approval of packaging and promotional materials received from Heart-Check clients and/or their agencies ensuring that they are in compliance with the AHA branding guidelines and Heart-Check graphic standards.
- Identifies need for AHA Science review of product packaging or promotional reviews based on established guidelines and/or standing precedent and coordinates feedback to food companies through business development manager; supports external communication of same to clients as requested by AM.
- Maintains participant history files including archival of Heart-Check promotional materials as deemed appropriate. Coordinates acquisition of supporting print and broadcast samples.
- Manages the development and implementation of web-based tools and tips for participants.
- Monitors/tracks/reports promotional activity by Heart-Check participants
- Continuous process improvement for packaging and promotional reviews including documentation of policies, procedures and precedents.
- Reviews all Heart-Check materials for consistency and accuracy in messaging.
Manages Finances and Budget Process:
- Manages budget of department by reconciling revenue monthly and reporting to finance and maintaining tracking of all expenses and expense commitments.
- Assists in annual and mid-year budget projections for each program division; food, recipe, and meal certification programs.
- Analyzes budget status and reports on current state and present trend reports as requested by senior leadership.
Manages Legal and Contract Process:
- Maintains working knowledge of all Heart-Check standard contract agreements.
- Facilitates reviews of contract revisions both internally and externally.
- Works with vendors and consultants to establish current contracts for services to support the Heart-Check program.
Familiarity with FDA/USDA regulatory environment:
- Maintains knowledge base of labeling and health claim compliance regulations as described in 21CFR and 9CFR and via official FDA/USDA websites/communications and as applicable to nutrition, packaging and promotional review processes.
- Monitors regulatory and/or nutrient database environment as pertains to duties and responsibilities described herein.
- Experience in fast-paced work environment
- Demonstrated technical competence and ability to complete a nutrient analysis of a food product, recipe or restaurant meal
- Quality Assurance /Quality Control experience or education
- Budget management experience
- Demonstrated competence and success in prior jobs, proven team player, personal integrity, and extreme attention to detail are absolute requirements
- Proven ability to deliver excellent customer service
- Evidence of continued personal growth and development
Technical/Functional Skill Requirements:
- Exceptional PC skills, including Windows/Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and database experience (preferably nutrition database)
- Understanding and appropriate application of FDA/USDA food and restaurant labeling and health claim regulations
- Ability to translate new information into practical application
- Business communications skills
- Ability to manage multiple on-going projects and prioritize effectively
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with internal and external contacts at all levels
- Ability to deliver excellent customer service
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent critical thinking, judgment and decision-making skills
- Solution-oriented problem-solving skills
- Ability to work overtime as needed to meet critical deadlines