Manager, Pretzel & Bold Snacking Seasons

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary: 

The Manager, Pretzel and Bold Snacking, Seasons leads a team of scientists responsible for developing bold, high‑impact seasoning systems and flavor-forward snack experiences across the Dot’s Pretzels brand and the broader Bold Snacking portfolio. This leader owns the flavor innovation pipeline, guiding the creation of differentiated seasoning blends, coating systems, and bold flavor experiences that uphold and expand the iconic 
Dot’s profile while driving growth across other bold snack formats.

This role works closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sensory, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing to take flavors from concept to successful commercialization. Strong people leadership, deep seasoning system expertise, and an innate understanding of bold sensory experiences are essential.

This role reports to Sr. Manager, Pretzel and Bold Snacking and is based at Hershey Technical Center.

Summary of major duties:
Flavor Development & Innovation Execution
• Own the flavor innovation strategy and execution for Dot’s Pretzels and the Bold Snacking portfolio (e.g., bold-coated pretzels, high-intensity savory snacks, new flavored snack formats).
• Lead creation of bold seasoning blends, slurry systems, and coating technologies that deliver high-impact taste and aroma.
• Translate consumer insights, sensory learnings, and emerging flavor trends into platform roadmaps and new product concepts.
• Evaluate new seasoning technologies, carriers, spices, and hydrocolloids that enhance adhesion, shelf-life, or flavor intensity.
• Ensure all flavor systems meet brand standards for boldness, authenticity, and overall sensory delight.

Team Leadership & Capability Building
• Manage and develop a team of 3–5 scientists and technologists working across multiple flavor-forward snack platforms. 
• Provide coaching on flavor chemistry, seasoning formulation, coating technologies, and benchtop development. 
• Set clear priorities, allocate resources, and ensure high-quality technical execution. 
• Foster a team culture focused on creativity, experimentation, agility, and technical depth.

Commercialization & Cross-Functional Execution
• Lead pilot, scale-up, and plant trials for new flavors and coating systems across Dot’s and Bold Snacking platforms. 
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to optimize seasoning application (slurry, drizzle, tumbling, dry powdering), adhesion, moisture control, and product consistency. 
• Troubleshoot plant-level issues such as seasoning uniformity, flavor intensity variation, oil interactions, and stability. 
• Own technical transfer documentation, including formulas, application instructions, and key process parameters.

Commercialization & Cross-Functional Execution
• Lead pilot, scale-up, and plant trials for new flavors and coating systems across Dot’s and Bold Snacking platforms. 
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to optimize seasoning application (slurry, drizzle, tumbling, dry powdering), adhesion, moisture control, and product consistency. 
• Troubleshoot plant-level issues such as seasoning uniformity, flavor intensity variation, oil interactions, and stability. 
• Own technical transfer documentation, including formulas, application instructions, and key process parameters.

Strategic Support & Portfolio Planning
• Partner with Sensory & Consumer Insights to design flavor optimization experiments, sensory panels, and consumer validation studies. 
• Integrate sensory and consumer learnings into iterative development of seasoning blends and flavor systems. 
• Define bold flavor sensory metrics and standards for both Dot’s Pretzels and the Bold Snacking portfolio.
• Engage with key suppliers to explore emerging flavor technologies and new ingredient opportunities. 
• Champion technical rigor, best practices, and innovation standards across the organization.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  
Technical Expertise
• Deep knowledge of savory seasoning systems, flavor chemistry, carriers, and delivery mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of bold flavor technologies, aroma compounds, and high-intensity savory profiles.
• Expertise with seasoning application systems (slurry coatings, oil-based carriers, drum tumbling, dry powdering).
• Understanding of pretzel processing and other snack manufacturing systems and how they influence flavor performance.
• Experience with sensory science and consumer testing methodologies.
• Familiarity with food safety, labeling, and regulatory requirements.
Leadership & Collaboration
• Proven success leading technical teams and developing talent.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Insights, Operations, Engineering, and Quality.
• Effective communicator capable of influencing at multiple levels.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to balance creativity and discipline.
Soft Skills & Behaviors
• Passionate about bold flavors and differentiated sensory experiences.
• Highly creative, curious, and willing to challenge conventions.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined in documentation.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  
Education and Experience:    
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical/Food Engineering, Culinary Science, or related field required. 
• Master’s degree preferred
• 5–10 years of experience in product development, flavor development, or seasoning formulation (salty snacks strongly preferred). 
• Prior experience commercializing new products or flavors at scale. 
• Experience managing or mentoring technical talent preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Travel up to 15–25% to supplier sites, manufacturing plants, or pilot facilities.
• Ability to support multi site production and development schedules.

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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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