Process Lead

Location: Stuarts Draft, VA

Why Hershey 

At The Hershey Company, we make more moments of goodness through some of the world's most iconic brands, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat®, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Dot's Pretzels, Lesser Evil and more. Our team supports a global portfolio of over 90 brands, creating opportunities to shape strategies and drive impact across a breadth of businesses that few companies can offer. While many organizations focus on a handful of brands, Hershey provides exposure to a diverse portfolio of category-leading brands enjoyed by consumers around the world. What truly sets us apart is our legacy. Inspired by Milton Hershey's belief that business should create opportunity for others, we have been making a positive impact for more than a century through our commitment to communities, philanthropy, and our longstanding partnership with Milton Hershey School. When you join Hershey, you become part of a company where purpose, growth, and making a difference are woven into how we do business every day. 

How will you fit in the big picture? 

As Process Lead, you will be a skilled subject matter expert and a key member of the line leadership team in a high-speed, complex manufacturing environment. You will help advance Hershey Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) by analyzing and redesigning processes, strengthening operator and mechanic capabilities, and implementing practical improvements that reduce losses, improve line efficiency, and support consistent product quality. Working largely independently and in close collaboration with operations, maintenance, engineering, and business unit partners, you will turn performance data and shop-floor insights into sustainable operational improvements. 

What will you do? 

• Map current-state manufacturing processes, including steps, systems, handoffs, failure points, and sources of waste. 

• Design and document future-state processes, work standards, and implementation requirements that simplify work and improve clarity. 

• Develop standards for line activities such as changeovers, and coach operators and mechanics to execute those standards consistently. 

• Develop and manage equipment centerlines and visual management systems that support Daily Direction Setting. 

• Analyze line performance and loss data to identify trends, determine root causes, prioritize top losses, and recommend action plans. 

• Lead structured daily problem solving and data-driven planning across multiple production lines. 

• Coordinate and monitor implementation of process changes, including adoption, training, and transition activities. 

• Maintain accurate, accessible process documentation and update records as standards and processes change. 

 Minimum Requirements 

Education: Bachelor's degree required; engineering or a related discipline preferred. 
Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in process improvement, manufacturing operations, engineering, quality, or a related field. Experience in an automated manufacturing environment and with Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, and TPM is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder collaboration skills. 

• Working knowledge of packaging and processing equipment operations. 

• Strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, data collection, and data analysis capabilities. 

• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and translate floor-level issues into clear action plans. 

Benefits and Perks 

At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work. 

• Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health begin on Day 1. 

• Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match 

• Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable 

• Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility 

Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility.