Specialist Supplier Management - Cocoa Sustainability

About the role

The Hershey Company is looking for a Specialist Supplier Management to advance its sustainable sourcing strategy and Cocoa For Good initiatives across Côte d'Ivoire. The role works closely with cocoa suppliers, cooperatives and sustainability stakeholders to drive supplier accountability, continuous improvement and long-term impact in the cocoa supply chain. It leads supplier sustainability performance management, ensures delivery of farmer development and environmental programs, and strengthens partnerships that support responsible sourcing and farmer prosperity.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Supplier Sustainability Performance Management process, setting expectations and accountability with Cocoa For Good suppliers.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance against sustainability objectives and support action plans to improve program delivery.
• Strengthen supplier-led initiatives that professionalize farmer groups and cooperatives, improving access to farm mapping, agricultural inputs, training, credit and land documentation support.
• Support the Long-Term Relationship (LTR) program, including performance tracking, incentive management and cooperative development.
• Oversee environmental programs such as forest protection, agroforestry and landscape restoration, and act as the local focal point for environmental sustainability, engaging partners, industry organizations and government stakeholders.
• Represent Hershey in sustainability forums, industry working groups and cocoa-sector collaboration on responsible sourcing and forest conservation.
• Conduct regular field visits to farming communities, cooperatives, suppliers and program partners to assess quality, verify results and build relationships.
• Analyze performance data, prepare reports, track KPIs and communicate progress and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• 3-5 years of experience in sustainability, agricultural development, cocoa sourcing, supplier management, certification programs, environmental initiatives, community development or a related field.
• Experience working directly with farmer organizations, cooperatives, suppliers, NGOs or development partners in agricultural value chains.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, International Development, Economics, Business Administration, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management or a related field; advanced degree or certifications are a plus.
• Fluency in French and English, written and spoken; knowledge of local languages is a strong advantage.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within Côte d'Ivoire.
• Willingness to spend up to 60% of time in the field.

Required skills

• Knowledge of cocoa sustainability programs, certification standards and responsible sourcing practices.
• Stakeholder relationship management across private sector, community and government organizations.
• Project management, reporting, budget tracking and program monitoring.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.