Senior Research Scientist, R&D Salty Pretzels

Job Location: Hershey, PA
Pay Level: 1A

Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Salty R&D and based in the Hershey Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Sr. Research Scientist position provides project leadership of moderate complexity product development projects in Hershey’s salty snack portfolio.  The ability to operate with medium to high autonomy across all initiatives is required. The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate, apply, and disseminate technical knowledge and expertise.  This candidate is a critical thinker demonstrating proven problem-solving skills resulting in problem resolution and process improvements. They will consistently apply, document, and communicate technical subject matter to different audiences within the organization. This candidate has the capability to influence stakeholders and leverage networks to provide solutions.

Specific Role Focus Area: 
• Assumes a leadership role in moderate to complex projects and guides them from concept to commercialization, partnering with cross-functional partners and suppliers to execute on communicated timelines. 
• Lead execution of innovation, renovation and maintenance opportunities across the Dot’s and filled pretzel platforms 
• Lead prototyping and development from benchtop to manufacturing scale. 
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, including internal and co-man opportunities
• Evaluate potential novel technologies and ingredients through interactions with vendors, suppliers, and attendance of tradeshows
• Identify, design, conduct, and document research on pretzel formulation and baking. 
• Lead project design and methodology, test ideas through experimentation, and analyze data to determine next steps through problem solving and statistics
• Mentoring junior scientists within Salty R&D and providing technical guidance to Manufacturing 
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of Material, Trial, Product and Process Documentation following best practices and procedures across Hershey SOPs and data systems.

This role will interact and partner with: 
• R&D team members
• Manufacturing and Co-Manufacturing
• Engineering
• QRC
• Project Management
• Commercial and Innovation Marketing

This role will require up tro 25-30% domestic travel.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities:  
• Capable of applying scientific principals and internal processes to successfully launch new products to the market and/or implement product improvements on existing products.
• Demonstrated knowledge of bakery science principles including baked snack raw materials and processing – (pretzels, crackers) 
• Ability to collaborate across departments and leverage external consultants and vendors to deliver on project timelines.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task with modest supervision successfully managing simultaneous projects.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and fluid timelines.
• Leadership skills/behaviors: business acumen, consumer-centric focus, and excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Competency with typical baked snacks analytical techniques, sensory and customer testing methods, and scale-up considerations. 
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,Outlook) and ability to learn new platforms as needed.  Prior SAP experience is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to cross-functional partners.
• Ability to occasionally work outside of typical work hours (e.g. nights/weekends) to support project work  

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  
Education and Experience:
BS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with 6-8 years’ experience, MS or PhD in Food Science or related field with 2-4 years’ experience.  Intern and prior research project work will be considered; Salty Snacks product development experience is preferred.

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