Associate Brand Manager, Innovation Functional Snacking

Job Location: Hershey, PA

ROLE SUMMARY

The Associate Brand Manager, DCS & Innovation – Functional Snacking & Protein supports the development and commercialization of innovation initiatives within the Functional Snacking & Protein portfolio. This role is responsible for driving day‑to‑day execution across assigned innovation projects, ensuring initiatives progress effectively through the stage‑gate process and are grounded in consumer insights, brand strategy, and financial objectives.

Working closely with the Senior Brand Manager, the ABM plays a key role in translating defined demand spaces and innovation strategies into executable plans, managing cross‑functional workstreams, and delivering high‑quality launches. Success requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate and influence in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Innovation Project Execution

Support the execution of innovation and renovation initiatives from concept through commercialization. Manage assigned workstreams, timelines, and deliverables within the stage‑gate process to ensure projects stay on track and meet quality, timing, and cost expectations.

Consumer Insights & Market Analysis

Leverage syndicated data, consumer research, and trend analysis to support opportunity assessment and concept development. Translate insights into clear implications, learning plans, and recommendations that inform product development and marketing decisions.

Business Case & Analytical Support

Develop financial analyses, size‑of‑prize estimates, and performance tracking to support innovation proposals and gate reviews. Partner with Finance and Brand leadership to ensure assumptions are sound and aligned with business objectives.

Go‑to‑Market Development

Support go‑to‑market planning by developing launch tools, sell‑in materials, and internal communication assets. Partner with Sales, Shopper Marketing, and external agencies to ensure packaging, claims, and messaging align with brand strategy and regulatory requirements.

Post‑Launch Performance & Learning

Track post‑launch performance against key KPIs such as ACV, velocity, and distribution. Support post‑launch reviews by synthesizing data, identifying early learnings, and recommending actions to optimize performance and inform future innovation work.

CAPABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills

Ability to interpret data, identify patterns, and draw clear conclusions. Comfortable working with syndicated data and translating analysis into practical recommendations.

Execution & Project Management

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. Detail‑oriented and proactive in driving tasks forward in a cross‑functional environment.

Consumer‑Centric Mindset

Demonstrated curiosity about consumer behavior and trends, with the ability to integrate insights into product and marketing decisions.

Collaboration & Communication

Clear communicator who builds effective working relationships across Marketing, R&D, Sales, Finance, and agencies. Able to influence through preparation, clarity, and follow‑through.

Agility & Learning Orientation

Comfortable operating in ambiguity and learning through iteration. Demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset in a fast‑paced innovation environment.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field required
• Experience: 2–4 years of experience in brand management, marketing, or innovation roles, preferably within CPG
• Preferred Experience Includes:
• Exposure to innovation or renovation projects
• Experience with syndicated data (IRI, Nielsen, Circana) and basic financial modeling
• Cross‑functional project collaboration

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
 
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

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