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Baking Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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

Quality Food Safety Manager

Mattoon, IL · On-site

$89K - $116K/yr

... 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: $89,900 - $116,900 Annual Bonus Eligibility ...

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

... baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:Salary Range: $94,300 - $122,600Comprehensive Benefits PackageAnnual Bonus ...

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

... baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide! Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA: Salary Range: $94,300 - $122,600 Comprehensive Benefits Package Annual Bonus ...

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$94K - $122K/yr

... baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide! Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA: Salary Range: $94,300 - $122,600 Comprehensive Benefits Package Annual Bonus ...

Quality Systems Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

... baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide! Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA: Salary Range: $94,300 - $122,600 Comprehensive Benefits Package Annual Bonus ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Niemanns Bakery Clerk-Wrapper

Niemanns

Champaign, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Get paid daily! We've partnered with DailyPay to offer employees more control over their earnings!!!
SUMMARY
The Baker, under the direction of the Bakery Manager, will provide high quality fresh baked goods. The Baker is responsible for the execution of the baking plans laid out by the bakery manager. Specific skills in the areas of prepping, proofing and baking a wide variety of bread, sweet goods and specialty items are required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Delivers superior guest service and ensure absolute customer satisfaction
  • Ability to properly use all bakery equipment
  • Knows use, and taste of products offered
  • Quality assurance checks of department
  • Proper handling and rotation of product
  • Day to day operational procedures to ensure stock level, inventory, and cleanliness
  • Promote Sales, offer samples
  • Package and labels product in accordance to NFI standards
  • Performs basic baking duties
  • Cleans floors, ovens, counters, washes dishes
  • Work within company programs, policies and procedures
  • Follows Health Code guidelines
  • Follows all store and department policies and procedures
  • Follow safety policies and procedures; is a safety role model
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

KEY ATTRIBUTES
  • Customer service skills
  • Communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment
  • Detailed orientated
  • Problem solving skills
  • Integrity
  • High Energy Level
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • None required

LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
  • Ability to write reports and simple correspondence
  • Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other Associates of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
  • Basic math concepts (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication)

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Food Handler's Certification as required by State Law provided at store level

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
  • Slip resistant shoes with closed toe and heel
  • Safety Cutter
  • Apron
  • Uniform per store policy
  • Pallet jack
  • and stepladders
  • Associates may be required to use standard bakery equipment including, but not limited
  • Knives
  • Ovens
  • Proofers
  • Mixer
  • Bread slicer

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Regularly (Over 2/3 of the time)
  • Stand
  • Walk
  • Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Crouch
  • Communicate with associates and customers
  • Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

Frequently (Between 1/3 to 2/3 of the time)
  • Overhead lifting
  • Climb
  • Balance
  • Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Occasionally (Less than 1/3 of the time)
  • Sit
  • Crawl
  • Smell
  • Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Vision
  • Close
  • Distance
  • Peripheral
  • Depth perception
  • Ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to distinguish colors

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Frequently
  • Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Occasionally
  • Risk of electrical shock
  • Wet and/or humid conditions
  • Extreme cold
  • Chemicals while cleaning

Noise Level
  • Moderate

PAY RANGE (depends on industry experience)
Min. Wage up to $18/hour (IL Locations Only)
Starting pay will be based on experience, internal equity, and scope of responsibility.
BENEFITS (eligibility based on full-time/part-time status)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
  • Life Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program

**Niemann Foods Management retains the discretion to add to or change the position requirements at any time.
**Position requirements may vary by store location