The company said an internal and external candidate search is under way. The productivity initiative, Hershey said, is focused on simplifying the company's structure and improving ways of working to unlock growth potential in its core confection and emerging snacks businesses. The effort, too, is designed to help Hershey anticipate and respond to the changing demands of the global consumer more rapidly.Hershey said the program is expected to result in the reduction of approximately 300 jobs by the end of this calendar year. "We have taken a fresh look at how our resources and people are deployed globally and are better aligning our structure to the company's long-term strategies and goals," according to Hershey chairman, president and chief executive officer John Bilbrey.