Reporting to the Senior Manager Kit Kat Research & Development and working at The Hershey Company’s Technical Center, the Associate Manager position provides both managerial and project leadership with ~40% of the individual’s time focused on managerial and organizational initiatives and ~60% focused on medium complexity product development initiatives. This position would also start to drive various strategic initiatives while also executing on all workstreams. Medium to high autonomy across all initiatives is required. A successful candidate consistently demonstrates and applies managerial skills and technical knowledge and expertise. This candidate has proven problem solving skills and is a critical thinker, resulting in problem resolution and process improvements. The successful candidate can communicate complex or technical subject matter to different audiences at different levels within the organization. This candidate has the capability to influence stakeholders and leverage networks to provide solutions. Specific Role Focus Area: Lead managerial and organizational initiatives (~40% FTE) and product development projects (~60% FTE) which provide innovative new products within Chocolate Research and Development. These areas include formulation development, ingredient development and product transformation interactions. Proactively identify organizational and strategic opportunities, define scope, engage, influence, and align stakeholders, successfully implement changes, and monitor and implement continuous improvements Management responsibility for 2 - 5 Research Technicians/ Assistants or Contractors with the responsibilities of setting organizational priorities, project milestones, people development, and organizational engagement Perform prototyping and development from bench top to pilot plant to full manufacturing scale. Interact closely with a cross functional group of technical, professional, and managerial staff of R&D, as well as production, engineering, and marketing. Understand the business impact of initiatives and projects. Apply technical rigor and scientific principles and practices. Provide input for technical feasibility for new product concepts. Partnering with Supply Chain to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in products and process This role will interact and partner with: Marketing Manufacturing Engineering Quality and Regulatory Project Management Technology Development Direct Reports Approximately ~10% travel required, primarily within the US, but including occasional international travel. Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsibilities: Experience leading innovation initiatives, which could include product development, quality improvement, cost improvement, technology validation and process optimization. Demonstrated knowledge in confection and chocolate formulation and process development. Strong knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging) Demonstrated influencing skills Demonstrated problem solving and evaluation capabilities. Excellent troubleshooting skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The candidate much be able to work independently, and as part of a team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented business. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: PhD in in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Chemistry, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Biology with 2-4 years’ experience, MS with 4-6 years’ experience, or BS with 6-8 years’ experience. Introductory experience in people management such as Interns, Co-ops, and technicians is preferred. #LI-MH 1 #LI-Onsite 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 Application. Help@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