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Senior Manager, R&D

Posted Date:  May 7, 2026
Requisition Number:  128825

Location: Hershey, PA

 

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and longstanding partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands-on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross-brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day.
 
 

Role Summary:

Based at The Hershey Company’s Technical Center, the Senior Manager, R&D will lead consumer-led innovation, renovation, and commercialization for US CMG Chocolate – Cadburry, Kit Kat® and Variety Brands. This role sits within Research & Development and partners closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver breakthrough products and ensure business continuity.
The role provides a unique opportunity to shape iconic brands, lead a large and diverse team, and drive innovation from concept through full-scale commercialization at the Sweetest Place on Earth. 
 
 

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute innovation and brand renovation strategies for Cadburry, Kit Kat® and Variety Brands, ensuring alignment with business objectives and consumer insights.
  • Set technical direction for formulation, process development, scale-up, and commercialization across multiple innovation platforms.
  • Provide portfolio technical support, including business continuity, cost improvement initiatives, and selected accelerated market test launches.
  • Lead and develop the R&D Production Crew, including oversight of microbattles and pilot-scale manufacturing activities.
  • Manage program priorities, resources, timelines, and risks; provide clear progress updates to senior leadership.
  • Build strong cross-functional partnerships to ensure disciplined execution through the stage-gate process.
  • Attract, develop, and retain top R&D talent; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead a team of 8–10 professional staff, 10–12 R&D Production Crew Operators, and additional contractors or consultants as needed.

 

 

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in product development, innovation, and commercialization (advanced degrees may reduce experience requirements in line with company standards).
  • Proven leadership experience managing technical teams and complex, cross-functional programs.
  • Strong background in food product development and commercialization, preferably within confectionery and/or snacks.
  • Demonstrated expertise in protein formulation and process technologies (e.g., chocolate molding, slab/slit, extrusion, enrobing).
  • Experience scaling and validating product and process technologies from pilot to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and change leadership capabilities.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, including executive leadership.
  • Approximately 25% travel, primarily within the U.S., with occasional international travel.

 

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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.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.


Nearest Major Market: Harrisburg

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