The Hershey Company

Research Scientist Sweets

The Hershey Company$80K — $95K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field
  • 2-5 years of product development experience in food or beverage industry
  • Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and cross-functional teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

  • Lead innovative product development projects in Sweets & Refreshments
  • Conduct prototyping and development from bench to full scale
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D and production
  • Assess the business implications of project work
  • Apply scientific principles and GMPs to product development
  • Evaluate technical feasibility for new product ideas
  • Support supply chain initiatives to enhance product quality and mitigate ingredient shortages

Benefits

  • Potential for career growth within a leading company
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge product innovations
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment
  • Exposure to cross-functional teamwork across multiple departments
  • Opportunity for domestic and international travel
Full Job Description
Job Location: Hershey, PA

Reporting to the Manager, Sweets & Refreshment R&D and working at the Technical Center in Hershey, PA, the Research Scientist position is assisting on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. A low to medium level of autonomy is required depending upon the workstream. A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge while developing and sharing technical expertise within the functional area and cross functionally within the organization. This candidate is learning problem solving skills & the ability to think critically. This candidate is learning to communicate technical subject matter cross functionally and with management. This candidate is learning how to influence cross functional team members and how to build personal networks.

Specific Role Focus Area:
  • Lead product development projects which provide innovative new products in the Sweets & Refreshments space. These areas include formulation development, ingredient development and product transformation interactions.
  • 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, quality, sensory, regulatory, engineering, packaging, and marketing.
  • Understand the business impact of the projects.
  • Apply GMPs, technical rigor, 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.
  • Lead ingredient shortage mitigation workstreams to minimize supply chain impacts to the business.


This role will interact and partner with:
  • Marketing
  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Quality and Regulatory
  • Sensory and Consumer Insights
  • Project Management
  • Technology Development


Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include:
  • Experience leading innovation initiatives, which could include product development, quality improvement, cost improvement, technology validation and process optimization.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technical knowledge and apply it during development and commercialization processes. Specific technical knowledge in sweets & refreshments (chewy sweets, high boiled sweets, and polyols) a plus.
  • Knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in addition to troubleshooting skills
  • Proven administrative ability, decision-making skills, financial understanding, business integration skills, and technical expertise

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • BS in Food Science, Chemisty, Bioligy, Chemical Engineering or other STEM degree or a minimum of 2-4urs of applicable experience
  • This role will require 25-40% domestic and potential international travel.


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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

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