Location: Stuarts Draft, VA
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.
The anticipated base salary range for this role is $84,960 to $106,200 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance-based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well-being (as applicable). Learn more about Hershey's benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com
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