Manager, Manufacturing Decision Intelligence

Location: Hershey, PA



Summary: 

The Manufacturing Decision Intelligence Manager is responsible for driving data-centric initiatives that enhance operational performance across Hershey’s manufacturing network. Under the guidance of Digital Factory leadership and collaborating with business teams, this role leads the development and execution of intelligent solutions that optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and augment, optimize and automate decision-making. This role is part of Hershey’s digital transformation journey, enabling smarter, faster and more resilient manufacturing through the power of data and intelligent systems.

Role Responsibilities:

1.Manufacturing Optimization Product Strategy: With Digital Factory leadership, defines and develops product roadmap focused on manufacturing optimization, aligning with business and technical goals. 2.Manufacturing Process Insight: Leverage manufacturing knowledge to identify high-impact opportunities for digital augmentation and automation. 3.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with manufacturing, engineering, IT, and plant operations to define value-driven use cases and co-create solutions that integrate seamlessly into manufacturing workflows. 4.Advanced Analytics & AI: Deliver actionable use cases that leverage data science, predictive models, machine learning and AI  that support real-time and strategic decision-making; continuously analyze data to identify product improvement opportunities. 5.Vendor Engagement & Solution Evaluation: Evaluate external technology vendors and platforms to support manufacturing optimization goals. Lead assessments of buy vs. build decisions, ensuring solutions are cost-effective, scalable, and aligned with Hershey’s long-term digital strategy. 6.Data Governance & Quality: Develop and enforce data management frameworks to ensure high-quality, reliable data for operational decision-making. 7.Agile Execution: Lead agile development cycles, prioritizing features that deliver measurable improvements in throughput, quality, and cost. 8.Change Enablement: Lead change management efforts to ensure successful deployment, adoption, and scaling of new digital capabilities across the manufacturing network. 9.Project Oversight: Manage program development and projects, ensuring alignment with supply chain objectives and business goals. Oversee project timelines, budgets, resources, and cross departmental coordination needed to achieve successful outcomes.​

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Business fundamentals: Manufacturing experience, financial management, metrics reporting, business process management, customer centricity, business analysis and problem solving. •Product Management: Deep understanding of manufacturing technology and processes; Project management and problem-solving abilities. •Analytics & Journey Mapping: Strong analytical skills for data-driven decision-making; Ability to write clear user stories with well-defined acceptance criteria and technical documentation. •Strategic Planning: Adept ability to align product strategy with long-term business goals. •Data Management Expertise: Understanding of data management principles, practices, and technologies with the ability to factor in data needs into project requirements. Technical Proficiency: Experience with tools such as SQL, Python, and data visualization software. Familiarity with supply chain management systems and processes is advantageous.   
•Education: Strong preference for MBAs with undergrad in a technical field (Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Analytics, Mathematics, or a related field) •Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Supply Chain related roles with a focus on product/process management, data management, data analysis, and supply chain systems. Experience within the supply chain or consumer packaged goods industry is highly preferred.