The Hershey Company

Mgr Technical Product Development & Optimization

The Hershey Company$110K — $130K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
  • 5+ years of product development experience in food or CPG R&D.
  • Experience leading technical programs and influencing team collaborations.
  • Proven people leadership skills in coaching and developing staff.
  • Experience in commercializing products from development to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Solid understanding of food safety and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical development of protein innovation projects from concept to commercialization.
  • Drive formulation, sensory optimization, and manufacturing startup activities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams for project acceleration and portfolio delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership and risk assessments for stage-gate decisions.
  • Manage and mentor a team of scientists and technical professionals.
  • Identify and improve technical bottlenecks in product development processes.
  • Enhance documentation practices and external collaboration strategies.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness programs.
  • Competitive pay and annual incentive opportunities.
  • 401(k) plan with company match for financial security.
  • Paid time off and flexible work options.
  • Career development programs and learning opportunities.
Full Job Description
How will you fit in the big picture?

The Manager, Protein Product Development leads the Protein Product Development team within Protein & Functional Snacking R&D, driving technical development and optimization across Hershey's growing protein portfolio. This role translates consumer insights, business priorities, and market trends into technical strategies that deliver safe, compliant, manufacturable, and consumer-loved products. As a people leader, you will guide innovation from concept through commercialization while building team capability and advancing Hershey's protein platform across formats including bars and powders.

What will you do?

  • Lead the technical development of protein innovation and renovation projects from concept through commercialization.
  • Drive formulation, ingredient functionality, sensory optimization, process development, pilot trials, scale-up, and manufacturing startup activities.
  • Partner closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Manufacturing, Engineering, Procurement, Quality, and Regulatory teams to accelerate project execution and portfolio delivery.
  • Provide technical leadership, risk assessments, and recommendations to support stage-gate decisions and business prioritization.
  • Manage, coach, and develop a team of scientists and technical professionals, aligning resources across multiple programs and priorities.
  • Mentor team members in formulation, experimental design, and technical problem solving while supporting career growth and development.
  • Identify technical bottlenecks and capability gaps, implementing improvements that enhance product development speed, rigor, and efficiency.
  • Strengthen development processes, documentation practices, prototyping approaches, external partnerships, and cross-functional ways of working.
  • Build organizational capability by expanding expertise across protein technologies, ingredients, and product formats.


Minimum Education & Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 5+ years of progressive product development experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods R&D preferred.
  • Proven experience leading technical programs and influencing cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing scientists and technical support staff.
  • Experience commercializing products from benchtop development through pilot plant and full-scale manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of food safety, regulatory, and labeling requirements.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
  • Master's degree or other advanced degree preferred.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong expertise in protein-based product development, including protein ingredient functionality, texture optimization, shelf-life performance, and sensory quality.
  • Experience across multiple protein formats, including bars and powders.
  • Advanced experimental design, analytical problem solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
  • Experience managing external partners, co-manufacturers, and ingredient suppliers.
  • Familiarity with stage-gate innovation processes and project management systems.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences and senior leadership.


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
  • 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.

#LI-KR1

#LI-Onsite

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
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1894
5 Year Trend
+3.8%
Revenue
$8.1 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at The Hershey Company

More Food & Beverages Jobs

Find similar Mgr Technical Product Development & Optimization jobs: