Manager, R&D S&R

Manager, R&D S&R

Job Location : Hershey, PA

Role Overview :

Responsible for managing transformative Sweets & Refreshment Product Development platforms within R&D focusing on brands such as Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, and Ice Breakers. Lead the development and commercialization of innovative confectionery products (e.g., hard candy, gummies, licorice, gum, mints). Manage project execution, support continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with business objectives.

Lead a team of approximately 4 scientists and technicians supporting various workstreams. Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Marketing, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Quality to deliver projects on time and within scope. Mentor and develop direct reports and provide technical project support as needed on high complexity projects.

Work with direct reports to determine goals and timetables for projects, and ensure diligence in development, scale up, and commercialization of products and technologies. Provide technical expertise leveraging product and process development principles and validation methodologies. Resolve resource allocation and timing issues to ensure that business objectives are achieved or exceeded.

Summary of Major Duties :

• Develop and Execute Transformative Sweets & Refreshment Innovation :

Manage the end-to-end process for new product and process development, from concept through commercialization.

As needed, work with business partners to allocate resources, set priorities, goals and timetables for Business Continuity and Cost Improvement related projects, and deliver on required results.

Provide overall leadership as it relates to organization structure and people development. Attract, lead, and mentor employees in such a way to ensure retention, development, and high performance of talent.

Dimensions :

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Nearest Major Market : Harrisburg