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Baking Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Grupo Bimbo

Baking Technology Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $147K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... Baking technical support to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Co-Pack Breads, Buns, and Breakfast. Support ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Baking Technology Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $147K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... Baking technical support to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Co-Pack Breads, Buns, and Breakfast. Support ...

Bimbo Bakeries USA

Baking Technology Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $147K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... Baking technical support to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Co-Pack Breads, Buns, and Breakfast. Support ...

Grupo Bimbo

Baking Technology Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $147K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... Baking technical support to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Co-Pack Breads, Buns, and Breakfast. Support ...

Grupo Bimbo

Project Manager Baking Technology

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure ... This role also supports the transformation and efficiency efforts of the Baking Technology and ...

Grupo Bimbo

Strategic Technologies Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$102K - $142K/yr

... baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide! Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA: Salary Range: $102,000 - $142,800 Annual Bonus Eligibility Comprehensive ...

Niemann Foods

County Market Baker

Byron, IL

$20/hr

The Baker is responsible for the execution of the baking plans laid out by the bakery manager ... Associates may be required to use standard bakery equipment including, but not limited * Knives

County Market

County Market Baker

Byron, IL · On-site

$20/hr

The Baker is responsible for the execution of the baking plans laid out by the bakery manager ... Associates may be required to use standard bakery equipment including, but not limited * Knives

Niemann Foods

County Market Baker

Byron, IL

$20/hr

The Baker is responsible for the execution of the baking plans laid out by the bakery manager ... Associates may be required to use standard bakery equipment including, but not limited * Knives

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Baking Associate information

What is the difference between Baking Associate vs Pastry Chef?

AspectBaking AssociatePastry Chef
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certifications often preferredFormal culinary training or pastry arts certification often required
Work EnvironmentBakery, grocery store, or food production facilityBakery, restaurant, hotel, or pastry shop
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in baking, preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanlinessDesigning, creating, and decorating baked goods; supervising baking staff

The main difference between a Baking Associate and a Pastry Chef lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Baking Associates typically support baking operations with basic tasks, while Pastry Chefs lead the creative and supervisory aspects of pastry production. Both roles require knowledge of baking techniques, but Pastry Chefs usually have more formal training and experience.

What is a baking associate?

Baking Associates are entry-level professionals who assist in the preparation, production, and presentation of baked goods such as bread, pastries, and cakes. They typically work in bakeries, supermarkets, or food production facilities, helping with mixing ingredients, monitoring baking times, ensuring product quality, and maintaining cleanliness. Baking Associates may also package finished products and assist customers, depending on the workplace. This role is essential for supporting bakers and ensuring smooth bakery operations.

What qualifications do I need to work as a baking associate?

To work as a baking associate, employers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent. Prior experience in food preparation or baking is beneficial, and good attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important skills. Some positions may also require food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are some common challenges baking associates face during peak hours, and how can they effectively manage them?

Baking Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak hours, such as early mornings or holidays when demand surges. Managing multiple tasks—like preparing dough, monitoring oven times, and ensuring product quality—while maintaining cleanliness and safety can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized are key to success. Many bakeries also encourage cross-training, so associates can help each other and adapt quickly to changing priorities during busy periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a baking associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Baking Associate, you need a solid understanding of baking techniques, ingredient handling, and food safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and sometimes a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial baking equipment, mixers, ovens, and point-of-sale systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help maintain consistency and efficiency. These skills ensure the production of high-quality baked goods, adherence to safety standards, and smooth bakery operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Baking jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Baking jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Baking Associate jobs in Illinois? For Baking Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Baking Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Baking Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Baking Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Baking Associate job openings:
Baking Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Baking Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Baking Technology Specialist

Grupo Bimbo

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$105K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Have you ever enjoyed Arnold®, Brownberry® or Oroweat® bread? A Thomas'® English muffin or bagel? Or perhaps snacked on a Sara Lee®, Entenmann's® or Marinela® cake or donut? If the answer is yes, then you know Bimbo Bakeries USA!
More than 20,000 associates in bakeries, sales centers, offices and on sales routes work to ensure our consumers have the freshest products at every meal. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we provide a safe and inclusive work environment that appreciates diversity, promotes development and allows our associates to be their authentic selves.
Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!
Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:
Salary Range: $105,100 - $147,100
Annual Bonus Eligibility
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Paid Time Off
401k & Company Match
#LI-MJ1
Position Summary:
Baking technical support to Bimbo Bakeries USA and Co-Pack Breads, Buns, and Breakfast. Support development and lead product implementation functions for BBU and Co Operations. Provide leadership support to BBU operations including Safety Programs. Provide technical and statistical analysis to improve processes and sustainability.
Key Job Responsibilities:
The Specialist of Baking Technology and Commercialization supports assigned bakeries in the areas of ingredient, formula, process baking technology, and continuous improvement with an overall focus on finished product quality, consistency, and safety.
  • Troubleshoot bakery issues and support to ensure the bakery teams put appropriate corrective actions in place.
  • Support Marketing, Research and Development (R&D), and Engineering development trials on new formulas, new ingredients and new equipment or technologies.
  • Coordinate with Operations teams to drive the scale-up and commercialization of new products, cost savings projects, and product reformulations. Initiate qualification kick-off calls and ensure that Operations teams are running necessary test bakes and launch on the agreed launch timing. Monitor quality post-launch and modify formula / process as necessary.
  • Support assigned bakeries in addressing product quality concerns, consumer complaints, waste reduction efforts, and other initiatives as needed using continuous improvement and statistical tools.
  • Participate as key Baking Technical resource with Engineering and Operations team on process and equipment modifications to ensure overall quality is maintained.
  • Coach and train key bakery associates on ingredient functionality, equipment, and baking processes using data logger technology.
  • Complete and post updated product code books for all key launches.
  • Conduct formula audits using an internal database and follow up with the bakery on corrective actions if necessary. Work with the R&D team on any necessary modifications to corporate formulas.
  • Lead productivity initiatives by networking with: Finance, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations.
  • Document weekly trip results and summarize key follow ups to Operations team including VP of Operations.
  • Domestic travel approximately 80-90% of the time, with occasional weekend work.
  • Other assignments as needed.

Key Behavioral Competencies:
  • Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Word and PowerPoint.
  • The associate needs to work cohesively with multidisciplinary teams, keeping clear communication and trust with all responsible parties to drive company projects to a successful completion and once projects are implemented this associate needs to keep all parties accountable for the expected results.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. The associate must clearly communicate the status of projects as well as the details to all the parties involved.
  • The associate must have great attention to detail, whether it is on a written report, a PowerPoint presentation, analyzing statistical information, and/or process observation to solve opportunities.
  • The associate must drive projects with a great sense of urgency and professionalism.
  • Problem solving is based on root cause and statistical analysis.
  • Out of the box mentality.

Leadership Competencies:
  • Use a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
  • Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • Take on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
  • Understands the business and organizational environment and shows interest in adapting to their culture and ways of working.

Education and Work History:
Bachelor's degree in food science, food engineering, or related field. A combination of education, training, and experience that results in demonstrated competency to perform the work may be substituted.
Required experience includes five (5) years involving each of the following:
  • Evaluation of Baking process technologies to troubleshoot and to provide recommendations.
  • Root cause and statistical analysis for continuous improvement.
  • Presentation of reports detailing data analysis to plant or engineering management.

The physical and mental demands described in each job posting are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of each job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of each job.
Bimbo Bakeries USA is an equal opportunity employer with a policy that provides equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, any other classification protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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