Drugs & Food Licensing Branch Manager

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: Drugs & Food Licensing Branch Manager 
Job Title: Manager IV 
Agency: Dept of State Health Services 
Department: Food & Drug 
Posting Number: 10062 
Closing Date: 10/28/2025 
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: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
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:  
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 
 
 

GENERAL  DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Food and Drug Section Director, the manager performs highly-advanced, complex senior-level managerial work managing the daily operations and functions of the food and drug program. 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. Work involves collaborating as needed with section and division executives, program directors, vendors/contractors, and external stakeholders. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

(30%) Oversees the daily management of operations and complex business support for the food and drug licensing program within the Food and Drug Section. Ensures effective and efficient delivery of Branch operations. Reviews business processes and utilizes the information to ensure resources are appropriately allocated to maintain an appropriate organizational structure that supports the needs of the Branch areas. Develops Branch budget requests and assists section director in monitoring budget and approves office and travel related expenditures. Sets goals for staff, establishes priorities, plans, assigns, supervises their work, and is responsible for developing appropriate performance measures for the Branch. Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, and benchmark studies to provide direction and guidance to staff, and to department licenses as applicable. Prepares or oversee the preparation of ad hoc reports and information for division leadership as requested.

(25%) Directs the statewide food and drug licensing program to maintain performance measure targets for Food and Drug section. Ensures that license applications are appropriately reviewed and handled in the period specified for the programs in the section. Ensures compliance with laws pertaining to the respective programs. Ensures that staff obtain the required training to perform all necessary job duties. Provides ideas for streamlining Branch operations and developing enhancements to the programs within the Food and Drug section. Ensures the open flow of information from one section to another. Works with other sections on the preparation and completion of grants with federal agencies and/or other department contract activities.

(20%) Works closely with the section director and the Consumer Protection Division Deputy Commissioner, and Associate Deputy Commissioner to evaluate Branch operations and makes recommendations for improvement and implements recommendations. Develops short- and long-term plans and specific strategic activities to achieve Branch performance goals. Provides technical expertise, oversight and direction to Branch staff and functions, Reviews and/or approves reports and other documentation received from direct reports. Prepares responses to legislative or public requests upon request. Contributes to the development of department administrative rules. Assists with the preparation, development, reviews, and/or revision of legislation; and assists with the development of the agency's position regarding legislative impact. Testifies at hearings and legislative meetings as requested. Implements or oversees implementation of new legislation.

(20%) Manages highly specialized staff or technical staff, including hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. Develops and documents goals, standards, policies, procedures, guidelines, schedules and standards for staff and monitors performance.

(5%) Other duties as 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of 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 and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and

  procedures.

  Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

  Skill in problem solving.

  Skill in 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 customer service and

  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 REQUIRED: NA

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

1. Excellent written communications as observed by detail and completeness of information provided on the state application.

2. At least four years of leadership, management, or direction of a regulatory, administrative, or operational program, ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
3. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is generally preferred. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.

Application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, specific reason for leaving, and a summary of experience that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information or errors may lead to disqualification.
RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ENTER ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached will 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 may be able to telework 3 day per week, and must work in the office 2 days per week.  Teleworking is subject to change.  DSHS will provide computer, related equipment, and basic office supplies. If teleworking, selected applicants must have a home office location free from distraction, the ability to provide personal home internet service, and the ability to ensure confidentiality in the workplace.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work extended hours.

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 HHS Human Resources Manual. Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for any potential changes to their current salary.

Consideration will be given to known past job performance 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