The Hershey Company

Director Strategic Partnerships

The Hershey Company • $120K — $150K *
Hershey, PA 17033In-Person
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
3 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Deep expertise in partnership strategy and cultural partnerships.
  • Strong ability to align brand objectives with commercial outcomes.
  • Advanced skills in contract negotiation focused on value creation.
  • Proven track record of executive-level influence and leadership across functions.
  • Robust capabilities in risk assessment and partner evaluation.

Responsibilities

  • Define strategies for brand/portfolio growth through partnerships.
  • Lead the identification and assessment of potential partners.
  • Convert business objectives into advantageous contractual agreements.
  • Advise teams on leveraging partners effectively before commitments.
  • Manage long-term partner relationships and ensure strategic alignment.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work arrangement allowing flexibility with in-office days.
  • Access to a dynamic corporate culture focused on partnership strategy.
  • Opportunities for direct influence at executive forums.
  • Engagement in high-impact strategic decisions regarding partnerships.
  • Professional growth within a leading consumer brand environment.
Full Job Description
Job Location: Hershey, PA

Note: Will consider hybrid arrangement in office1-2 days per week and scheduled collaboration weeks.

Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director Global Licensing, the lead role of Partnerships Strategy within Demand Creation Strategy (DCS) is accountable for defining how Partnerships unlock disproportionate brand/portfolio growth by expanding audiences, opening new occasions, and elevating cultural relevance. Operating upstream of deal-making and activation, the role sets the partnership growth strategy, builds and manages a robust partnership pipeline, and translates brand and marketing objectives into advantaged contractual frameworks. The role serves as the CoE for partnerships, providing strategic guidance, vetting partners for fit, risk, and upside, and ensuring DCS and Brand teams have confidence in partnership choices. The role work closely with the Brand Marketing, Consumer Connections, Licensing Teams, etc. to ensure Partnerships are consistently implemented across our Business and drive incremental value for the Company.

Key Accountabilities

Set DCS Partnerships Growth Strategy

  • Define partnership strategies aligned to brand/portfolio growth plans, target audiences (Strategic Growth Target/Alternate Growth Target), marketing objectives, HJTBD (human jobs to be done, and must-do actions, ensuring alignment with the Brand Office.


Build & Govern the Partnership Pipeline (Upstream Ownership)
  • Lead landscape scanning, partner identification, and objective vetting to create multiple high-quality options for DCS and Brand teams prior to any commitments.
  • Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, ensuring consistency and strategic value over time.


Translate Strategy into Advantaged Contracting
  • Convert business and marketing objectives into clear contractual terms, ensuring the company pays for outcomes that move consumers and secures the right assets, IP rights, and protections.


Provide Activation Guidance (Non-Executional)
  • Advise DCS, Brand, and Consumer Connections on what it will take (principles, assets and investment, etc.) to fully leverage a partner before commitments are made.


Own Long-Term Partner Strategy & Governance
  • Steward long-term partner relationships, partner IP considerations, and partnership agency management (with Consumer Connections), ensuring consistency, risk management, and strategic value over time.


Scope & Complexity
  • High influence across DCS, Brand Marketing, Consumer Connections, Procurement, Legal, and Executive forums.
  • Acts as strategic advisor for partnerships strategy and long-term partner relationships; influencer on partner selection and activation approach. Needs to know the industry and how to navigate it, including relationship and risk management.


Qualifications
  • Deep expertise in partnership strategy, cultural partnerships, and IP-based growth models
  • Strong strategic framing and ability to connect brand objectives to commercial outcomes
  • Advanced contract and negotiation acumen focused on value creation vs. rights accumulation
  • Executive-level influence and cross-functional leadership without direct authority
  • Strong risk assessment, governance, and partner evaluation capabilities


Experience & Education
  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred
  • 10+ years in partnerships, brand strategy, marketing strategy, or adjacent roles within CPG, entertainment, sports, or culture led industries
  • Experience working with agencies, procurement, and senior executives in high value partnership contexts


#LI-SW1

#LI-Hybrid

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company Careers

Join the sweetest team on earth at The Hershey Company, a global leader in chocolate and sugar confections. With a rich heritage of innovation and leadership, The Hershey Company offers unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that champions diversity, creativity, and growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a fulfilling career journey with The Hershey Company, where you can contribute to a range of exciting projects that help shape the future of the confectionery industry. At Hershey, you will work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about delivering joy through their products and innovations. Transform your professional life by engaging in roles that leverage your unique skills and aspirations. Whether in marketing, research and development, production, or sales, each position at Hershey is designed to foster leadership and professional growth. Lead with Innovation At The Hershey Company, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From creating delightful new treats to enhancing our sustainable practices, our team is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the confectionery space. Join a company where your ideas and leadership can make a tangible impact on our products and processes, driving growth and excellence in the industry. Explore Career Opportunities The Hershey Company is committed to nurturing talent and providing its employees with the tools they need for success. Explore a variety of job opportunities and internships that can help you build a rewarding career. Our positions are designed to challenge your skills and help you grow as a professional. Be Part of Our Culture Experience a company culture that values teamwork, integrity, and respect. At Hershey, we believe in creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our everyday operations and the positive atmosphere our team members enjoy. Benefits and Growth Invest in your future with The Hershey Company’s comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Embrace opportunities for career advancement through professional development programs and continuous learning initiatives. Networking and Professional Development Enhance your career prospects through Hershey’s robust networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders, participate in global conferences, and engage in diversity training programs that prepare you for leadership roles within the company. Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests on The Hershey Company’s careers page. We are looking for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team and help us continue our legacy of success and leadership in the confectionery industry. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work at The Hershey Company. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your job alerts to find out about the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Hershey. Explore, innovate, and grow with The Hershey Company. Discover how your career can flourish in an environment dedicated to nurturing talent and celebrating success. Join us and be part of a team that’s making a difference in the sweetest way possible!
Learn more about The Hershey Company
Size
16,620 employees
Market Cap
$48.1 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ
HSY
* Ladders Estimates

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