Director Strategic Partnerships

Job Location:

Hershey, PA

Note:

Will consider hybrid arrangement in office 1-2 days per week and scheduled collaboration weeks.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Steward long‑time partner relationships, partner IP considerations, and partnership agency management (with Consumer Connections), ensuring consistency, risk management, and strategic value over time.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

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.

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