Supervisor R&D Production

Supervisor R&D Production At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey's enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a differencelocally and globallyis part of how we do business every day. The Supervisor, R&D Production is responsible for coordinating and executing product and process development activities that support innovation, scale-up, commercialization, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role oversees daily operations within the pilot plant and product development environment, ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The position coordinates work assignments and schedules for Continuous Part Time (CPT) employees, manages resources and equipment readiness, and partners closely with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders to advance development projects from concept through commercialization. Through strong technical knowledge, operational execution, and project coordination, this role helps deliver successful product and process innovations. Coordinate and oversee daily pilot plant, laboratory, and development activities supporting product and process innovation, optimization, validation, and commercialization efforts. Schedule, direct, and prioritize work assignments for Continuous Part Time (CPT) employees and other technical support resources to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to project timelines. Lead the execution of benchtop, pilot plant, plant trial, start-up, and validation activities, ensuring adherence to established procedures, product specifications, and quality standards. Ensure laboratory and pilot plant equipment are properly prepared, maintained, cleaned, and operational to support development and production activities. Support ingredient management, sample preparation, inventory control, lot tracking, documentation, and data collection required for product development projects. Partner with scientists, engineers, manufacturing teams, and other cross-functional stakeholders to plan activities, troubleshoot issues, and advance projects through the development and commercialization process. Identify technical, operational, or scheduling challenges and implement solutions to maintain project momentum and operational effectiveness. Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety requirements, sanitation standards, and workplace safety expectations. Provide training, technical guidance, and day-to-day direction to CPT employees and technical support staff on equipment, processes, and operating procedures. Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, workflow reliability, equipment utilization, and technical execution. Minimum Education & Requirements Experience 1-3+ years of experience in research & development, product development, pilot plant operations, manufacturing, process development, or a related technical environment. Experience supporting pilot plant, manufacturing, commercialization, or scale-up activities. Experience coordinating project activities and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Experience scheduling and directing technical support resources or hourly personnel preferred. Knowledge of GMP, food safety, sanitation, and quality systems. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills. Education Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, or a related technical field. Relevant combination of education and directly related experience may be considered. At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work. Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. 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.