Associate Manager, R&D Sensory Cocoa Science

Associate Manager, R&D Sensory Cocoa Science

Posted Date : Nov 3, 2025

Requisition Number : 126110

Job Location : Hershey, PA

Summary :

Reporting to the Manager Sensory Professional Panels and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the Associate Manager provides project leadership of some medium to high complexity initiatives, leads workstreams within larger initiatives, and / or leads multiple low complexity initiatives. A successful candidate demonstrates and applies technical knowledge and expertise in functional area of Sensory. This role provides consultancy cross-functionally by identifying and applying the appropriate method to answer research objectives. and designs, executes, and reports results informing key business decisions. The candidate will be assigned to numerous cross-functional teams within the organization, which requires problem solving, critical thinking and influencing skills. This candidate demonstrates the capability to communicate technical subject matter written and verbally cross functionally and with management. This candidate demonstrates the capability to influence cross functional team members and build personal networks to provide solutions. The technical focus of this position will be to support Cocoa Science initiatives.

Additionally, this position manages the Hershey Technical Center Professional Panel consisting of 12 part-time (CPT) panelists and the Panel Leader. This responsibility includes descriptive capability building, technical performance assessments, feedback, and the HR performance management process for this team.

Specific Role Focus Area :

• Build Descriptive capabilities through panel training, calibration, and maintenance.
• Plan and execute Descriptive Analysis projects supporting both quality initiatives and innovation across the confection and snacking portfolio, includes statistical data analysis and reporting of results
• In addition to the Descriptive Analysis projects, manage sensory projects for shelf life, innovation, plant troubleshooting, alternate supplier, and margin enhancement.
• Develop sensory lexicons / attributes for new product categories.

This role will interact and partner with :

Summary of major duties :

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties or responsibilities :

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements :

Education and Experience : B.S. (4-6 years' experience) or M.S. degree (2-4 years' experience) in the following : Food Science, Psychology, or Statistics.

Completed course work and / or practical experience in Sensory Science.

Minimum of 1-3 years managing a Descriptive Panel

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Nearest Major Market : Harrisburg