Sr Mgr R&D US CMG Hersheys

The Hershey Company•Lower Swatara Township, PA

6d•$152,960 - $191,200•Onsite

About The Position

Based at The Hershey Company's Technical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the Senior Manager of R&D leads research and development strategy and execution for Hershey brand innovation, renovation, and adjacent chocolate platforms. The role translates consumer needs into successful products in partnership with Consumer Insights, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Sensory, and Regulatory teams. The position leads a team of 8–10 professionals and technicians, including an Associate Manager who leads 2–4 team members. It shapes the future of iconic Hershey brands and adjacent portfolios through product development, commercialization, portfolio support, and organizational development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
At least 7 years of relevant experience in food product development, innovation, and commercialization, including demonstrated people leadership and cross-functional program leadership.
Demonstrated success leading new product development and innovation programs from concept through pilot and full-scale commercialization.
Strong knowledge of chocolate or confectionery platforms, formulation strategies, process technologies, and validation methods.
Ability to translate consumer needs and commercial objectives into science and technology strategies and project plans.
Strong strategic thinking, influencing, decision-making, problem-solving, financial understanding, and change leadership skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to senior and executive leaders.
Ability to travel approximately 25%, primarily within the United States, with occasional international travel.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.

Responsibilities

Set technical direction and deliver formulation, process development, scale-up, validation, and commercialization for Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, Kisses, Cookies 'n' Crème, Special Dark, Symphony, and related platforms.
Lead chocolate adjacencies, R&D Kitchens, packaging product development support, continuous improvement, design-to-value, business continuity, and accelerated market-test launches.
Set portfolio priorities, allocate resources, establish goals and timelines, manage project risks, and provide clear progress updates to senior leaders.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of 8–10 professional staff and technicians, including an Associate Manager who leads 2–4 team members.
Support strong team engagement, retention, and career growth.
Partner across Consumer Insights, Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Sensory, and Regulatory teams to translate consumer needs into successful products.