Senior Food Technologist Strategy Development

Position: Senior Food Technologist Strategy Development

Job Location:  Hershey, PA

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Enterprise Continuous Improvement Strategy Development and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA. The Senior Food Technologist position is responsible for identifying and developing new continuous improvement projects and technology platforms to be delivered over a 3–5-year time horizon across the company’s Candy, Gum, Mint, and Salty Snacks portfolio.  A key responsibility will be to objectively evaluate opportunities to determine the feasibility of ideas with consideration given to technical feasibility, product quality, manufacturing capability, labeling, consumer acceptance, and financial viability.

Role Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop and validate process and product optimization projects through preparation of experimental formulations and process designs, bench and pilot scale development, stakeholder alignment, manufacturing trials, and financial viability.
• Under minimal direction assume responsibility for undertaking and executing process and product optimization projects of varying importance, complexity or scope.
• Undertake projects as assigned and make suggestions for initiation of projects or their abandonment as experience allows.
• Lead projects up to and including project handoff documentation preparation and transfer to a project leader.  Occasionally leadership through implementation will be necessary, to include process and product support, training and sustainability initiatives.
• Close collaboration with R&D, Engineering, Finance, QRC, Manufacturing and Marketing will be required.
• Routinely benchmarks and monitors trends and technology to apply best demonstrated practices which drive cost, quality, performance, and sustainability improvements
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge related to processing technologies, equipment, and product formulas in a minimum of two technical areas related to chocolate, confectionery, candy or related snack foods.

This role will require 10-20 % travel. 

Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:

• Strong understanding of food chemistry principles and ingredient functionality.
• Experience in confection and chocolate formulation, technology, processing, and manufacturing a plus.
• Possess working technical knowledge of product development and optimization, including manufacturing validation and implementation.
• Experience operating lab and pilot scale equipment/instrumentation and working in a manufacturing plant.
• Business case development including technical and financial feasibility of new project ideas resulting in a prioritized list of opportunities Supporting supply chain continuity initiatives in collaboration with vendors of ingredients.
• Sensory and analytical techniques related to the analysis of food
• Problem solving and product troubleshooting through application of knowledge and creative thinking that will allow new ideas and platforms to advance through feasibility testing.
• Work closely with procurement and suppliers to identify future opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercising a moderate level of judgment in project execution.
• Demonstrates strong time management and prioritization skills to efficiently achieve business goals and execute projects on schedule.
• Interpersonal skills that allow for effective working relationships at all levels across the organization.
• Working experience with lean/six sigma principles; certification preferred
• Proficient computer literacy, fluent with Microsoft Office Suite

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• MS in Food Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or other technical degree with 2-4 years of experience
• BS in Food Science, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or other technical degree with 4-6 years of experience.