The Hershey Company · 2 days ago
Manager, R&D Popcorn & Kid Snacking Seasons
Hershey, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expThe Hershey Company is a well-known leader in the confectionery industry, and they are seeking a Manager for their Popcorn & Kid Snacking Seasons division. This role involves leading the development of new seasoning blends and flavors while managing a team and collaborating with various departments to ensure successful innovation and commercialization.
ConfectioneryFood and BeverageManufacturingService IndustrySnack Food
Responsibilities
Lead creation, development, and optimization of new seasoning blends, flavor profiles, and limited‑time offerings for SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty, and any other products that fit into popcorn and kid snacking platform
Drive iterative benchtop development, consumer testing, and sensory learning plans to refine direction
Translate consumer needs, culinary trends, and category insights into flavor-forward product concepts
Ensure formulas meet brand standards for taste, cost, labeling, and nutritional requirements
Own flavor technical readiness within the innovation pipeline
Manage, coach, and develop a team of 3–4 scientists and technologists
Set priorities, oversee workplans, and ensure projects are executed with technical diligence
Build internal expertise in seasoning systems, ingredient functionality, and flavor delivery technologies
Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, speed, and strong technical rigor
Lead pilot plant tests and manufacturing scale-ups for new flavors and renovated formulas
Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure seamless technical transfer to production
Troubleshoot issues related to seasoning application, equipment capability, flavor stability, and sensory variation
Support cost optimization, productivity, and quality improvement initiatives for existing products
Contribute to the annual flavor roadmap and 1–3 year innovation plans for all brands within the popcorn and kid snacking platform
Identify emerging flavor trends, new seasoning technologies, and strategic ingredient partnerships
Collaborate with Marketing and Insights to evaluate flavor directions and build consumer‑backed concepts
Provide technical input into business cases, timelines, risk assessments, and capital needs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical/Food Engineering, Culinary Science, or related field required
5–10 years of experience in product development, flavor development, or seasoning formulation (salty snacks strongly preferred)
Prior experience commercializing new products or flavors at scale
Strong working knowledge of seasoning systems, flavor delivery, savory flavor chemistry, and dry blend formulation
Understanding of salty snack processing—particularly popcorn and puffed/expanded snacks
Familiar with sensory evaluation, consumer testing methodologies, and data interpretation
Hands-on experience with pilot equipment and manufacturing processes for seasoning application
Knowledge of food labeling, flavor regulations, and ingredient functionality
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical talent
Skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously and maintaining alignment across stakeholders
Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for non technical partners
Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment in a matrixed environment
Highly creative with a passion for flavor innovation
Strong problem solver with an experimental, iterative approach
Collaboration-focused with an ability to thrive in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment
Travel up to 15–25% to supplier sites, manufacturing plants, or pilot facilities
Ability to support multi site production and development schedules
Preferred
Master's degree preferred
Experience managing or mentoring technical talent preferred
Company
The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company with a purpose to make more moments of goodness through its iconic brands.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4.62B2025-10-21Post Ipo Debt· $1.88B
2025-02-19Post Ipo Debt· $2B
2023-05-01Post Ipo Debt· $750M
Leadership Team
Kirk Tanner
Chief Executive Officer
Michele Buck
President & CEO
Recent News
2026-02-07
2026-02-06
2026-02-06
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