Baking Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 #LI-MJ1Come 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: $102,000 - $142,800Annual Bonus EligibilityComprehensive Benefits PackagePaid Time Off401k & Company MatchPosition Summary: The Strategic Technologies Specialist plays an important role in the execution of disruptive and transformative projects across BBU operations supporting our long-term strategic objectives and success. This position works in the Baking Technology and Commercialization COE to ensure Strategic Technologies projects are rolled out and executed in a timely manner with quality and excellence. Reporting to the Strategic Technologies Manager, the Specialist collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, other Business Units, and external partners to leverage resources and expertise.The Strategic Technologies Specialist will be responsible for executing tasks throughout the project?s life cycle, acting as a Project Manager for multiple and simultaneous projects while providing support to Operations in troubleshooting and training as needed. This role is key in bringing together cross-functional teams and will be responsible for creating and interpreting data to generate project insights. The Strategic Technologies Specialist will also be the gatekeeper of the scientific knowledge (BG IP) and technical skills relevant to the projects and will be instrumental in developing cross-functional networks for different projects. This position requires regular travel, with 90-100% of time spent on the Bakery network within the US. Key Job Responsibilities:Execute tasks throughout project?s life cycle: Business need Research Business case Lab tests Bakery integration Implementation and Support.Act as Project Manager for multiple and simultaneous projects.Support Operations with troubleshooting and training as needed.Work in partnership with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.Collect and interpret data to generate project assessments.Provide regular reports on project progress.Develop and maintain scientific knowledge and technical skills relevant to the projects.Develop and train Champions/SMEs within the Operations team upon implementation stages.Understand Baking Operations and utilize this knowledge to drive project success.Proactively develop cross-functional networks for different projects.Embrace a continuous improvement mindset to identify areas for improvement in projects and processes.Support Project transfers from other GB organizations including Global teams.Lead the execution on project rollouts aligned with BBU?s transformational objectives.Key Behavioral Competencies:Understanding of Baking Operations.Analytical and implementation skills.Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.Strong troubleshooting skills.Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills.Ability to train and develop others.Excellent networking and relationship building skills.Ability to influence cross-functional teams to gain buy-in and support for projects.Communication skills with ability to interact with different levels of the organization.Continuous improvement mindset.Highly organized with prioritization skills.Ability to travel: 90-100%. Most of traveling within US, availability to travel outside the US if needed.Education and Work History:Bachelor?s degree in Engineering, Food Science or related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience:Evaluation of Baking process technologiesRoot Cause and statistical analysis for continuous improvementTechnical Project management with a Manufacturing focusPresentation of reports detailing data analysis to different levels in the OrganizationProduct lifecycleData analysis and lean manufacturing experience.Experience in the Baking industry is highly preferred.Experience in managing cross-functional teams. The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodation may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.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.