Trainee Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

<div class="ql-align-center"><strong><em>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!</em></strong></div><div class="ql-align-center"><br></div><div class="ql-align-center"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>#LI-JS1</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><strong>Come join the largest baking company in the world and our family of 20,000 associates nationwide!</strong></div><div class="ql-align-center"><strong>Top Reasons to Work at Bimbo Bakeries USA:</strong></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>Salary Range: $69,200 - $90,000</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>Comprehensive Benefits Package</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>Vehicle Reimbursement Program</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>Annual Bonus Eligibility</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>401k & Company Match</span></div><div class="ql-align-center"><span>On the Job Training with Advancement Opportunities</span></div><div><strong> </strong><span>#LI-JS1</span></div><div><span>Rise to Lead is a 2-year program that provides participants with the opportunity to work cross-functionally through rotational assignments with our Bakeries, Sales Centers, and Center of Excellence teams. Rise to Lead’s on-the-job experiences, formal learning opportunities, and global exposure will help develop participants into future leaders. Upon completing the program, trainees are equipped to take on roles with greater responsibility and scope, driving impact on business results regionally, nationally, and globally, based on their skill set and organizational needs.</span></div><div><span>Rise to Lead includes 3 months of rotations, each in a different area outside of the associate’s focus, gaining exposure to our people & culture. In addition to the 3 months, participants will spend 20 months in the assigned function, gaining hands-on experience and building their network. This position is focused on Sales Operations.</span></div><div><strong><em> </em></strong></div><div><strong>Position Summary:</strong></div><div><span>As a Sales Operations Trainee in our</span><strong> Rise to Lead</strong> program, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build lasting relationships, and develop the skills needed to become a future leader in sales operations. This role is critical in supporting market growth and customer engagement through direct store delivery (DSD) execution, merchandising excellence, relationship building, coaching, and strategic selling within a fast-paced consumer goods environment. The Sales Operations Trainee will assist in executing sales strategies, maintaining product freshness, and driving market share growth. The role also includes exposure to our global teams and trainees, project-based initiatives that develop leadership, problem-solving, and business acumen, while contributing to real-time business outcomes.</div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Key Job Responsibilities:</strong></div><ul><li>Participate and complete requirements and experiences in the Rise to Lead program - including, but not limited to: rotational projects, in-person experiences, Grupo Bimbo institutional courses, and e-Learning.</li><li>Support route sales operations by assisting with merchandising, product delivery, coaching to best practices, and inventory management.</li><li>Build and maintain strong relationships with retail customers, as well as route sales operations, to ensure high levels of service and satisfaction.</li><li>Execute promotional and marketing strategies to drive product visibility and sales.</li><li>Work along with experienced teams in marketing, supply chain, and finance to understand how sales operations drive business success.</li><li>Participate in training and development programs to build foundational sales and leadership skills.</li><li>Learn to interpret sales data and customer insights to support team decision-making.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>Key Behavioral Competencies:</strong></div><ul><li>Possesses a global mindset.</li><li>Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.</li><li>Applies data-driven insights to support sales strategies and drive profitable growth.</li><li>Adapts quickly to evolving business priorities, market conditions, and technology.</li><li>Leads change initiatives with clarity, empathy, coaching, and a focus on impact.</li><li>Communicates complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.</li><li>Influences decision-making through compelling storytelling and data visualization.</li></ul><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Key Leadership Competencies:</strong></div><ul><li>Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.</li><li>Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.</li><li>Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.</li><li>Builds strong identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.</li><li>Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.</li><li>Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Holding oneself and others accountable</li><li>Understands the business and organizational environment and shows interest in adapting to their culture and ways of working.</li><li>Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong>Education and Work History:</strong></div><ul><li>Recent graduate, or graduated within the past 24 months with a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field.</li><li>Attained a minimum GPA of 3.0.</li><li>Demonstrated leadership experiences in academic, on/off-campus settings.</li><li>Demonstrates an understanding of Consumer-Packaged Goods market dynamics, customer behavior, and retail execution.</li><li>Demonstrates passion to achieve results and works well with others.</li><li>Strong motivation to build customer relationships and achieve company goals.</li><li>Computer skills and proficiency are required, i.e., Microsoft Office Suite or other similar systems. Use of a notebook computer and standard office equipment, printers, fax, phone, etc.</li></ul><div><br></div><div><strong><em>Account management skills are a plus.</em></strong></div><div><strong><em> </em></strong></div><div><strong>Physical Demands:</strong></div><ul><li>The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. </li><li>Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. </li><li>This role does require travel to various North American locations that will be determined by the program and functional leader.</li><li>Must be 21 years of age or older.</li><li>A valid driver’s license is required. Use various forms of transportation for extended periods of time periodically. Must be able to obtain and retain a DOT medical card.</li><li>Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal partners. Able to use a variety of communication methods frequently.</li><li>Must be able to work in all weather conditions.</li><li>Must be able to lift 25-50 pounds regularly, as well as routinely enter and exit a delivery vehicle.</li><li>Must be able to climb, push/pull, bend, stoop, and kneel for extended periods, as well as perform frequent reaching, walking, and use of fingers.</li></ul><div><br></div><div class="ql-align-justify">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.</div><div class="ql-align-justify"><br></div><div class="ql-align-justify">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.</div><div class="ql-align-justify"><br></div><div>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.</div>