Sr Research Scientist Chocolate

Senior Research Scientist Chocolate

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Reporting to the R&D Senior Manager, Cadbury, Kit Kat & Variety and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the Senior Research Scientist Chocolate position provides project leadership on multiple medium‑complexity projects and/or begins to lead a program with support. This could include a high number of low to medium‑complexity projects that drive leadership complexity. A medium to high level of autonomy on medium‑complexity projects and low to medium level of autonomy for high‑complexity projects is required.

This individual is beginning to teach others technical knowledge in some areas and has a focus on developing technical breadth. A successful candidate communicates project and/or program challenges to senior leadership with the ability to influence project/program direction through cross‑functional communication.

• Lead product development projects providing innovative new products in the Chocolate space, including formulation development, ingredient development, process development, capacity expansion, supply continuity, 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, engineering, and marketing.
• Understand the business and financial impact of the projects.
• Apply technical rigor and scientific principles and practices.
• Provide input for technical feasibility for new product concepts.
• Partner with Supply Chain to provide technical support to drive quality and value improvement in both products and processes.

• Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Quality and Regulatory
• Project Management
• Technology Development

Approximately 25–40% travel required, both in the US and internationally.

• 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 chocolate knowledge is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in learning and applying process platforms.
• Strong knowledge of various technical disciplines (Sensory, Research, Engineering and Packaging).
• Knowledge of key steps in the development of capital projects, including commercialization, equipment selection, creation of TFDs, equipment acquisition, commissioning and start‑up of process equipment and systems, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of the impact of the key processing parameters in the conversion of raw ingredient and in‑process material to finished product and critical for the day‑to‑day operation of a line.
• Demonstrated influencing skills.
• Proven administrative ability, decision‑making skills, financial understanding, business integration skills, and technical expertise.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and evaluation capabilities.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be open to and comfortable with change.
• The candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented business.

• PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field with 0–2 years of experience; MS with 2–4 years related experience; or BS with 4–6 years related experience.
• Experience in Chocolate Production and/or Innovation & experience in a CPG environment is a plus.

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.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

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