Commercial Baker

Job Description

Job Description

Who Is Café Valley
Since 1987, Cafe Valley has been baking smiles one cupcake, muffin, cake, and croissant at a time—putting care and craftsmanship into every product we make.

Our people are the heart of our success. We’re committed to fostering a positive, team-focused workplace where collaboration, innovation, and respect are part of everyday operations—because the best baked goods come from people who love what they do.

Our employees are our special ingredient. With more than 1,700 team members baking a difference every day, we operate state-of-the-art production facilities in Phoenix, AZ and Marion, IN, where quality, safety, and teamwork rise together.

What You’ll Enjoy
• Competitive base salary and bonus incentive
• Paid time off programs
• Comprehensive benefit offering including medical, dental, vision, life, disability and ancillary programs
• Working with a great team of dedicated professionals focused on a common mission
• Relocation assistance provided

Who You Are
You are a creative Baker who develops innovative products, enhances existing ones, and refines the commercialization manufacturing processes to ensure we produce the very best while maintaining cost efficiency. Expert in batter and laminate dough product innovation will be your superpower, enabling you to swiftly drive projects from prototype to market-ready solutions. Your role contributes by being a hands-on benchtop baker who is capable of working as an individual contributor and part of a collective team.

Where You Will Work
This is an on-site role based out of our Plant in Phoenix, AZ. Responsibilities What You Will Do
• Own the development, formulation, and build of new bakery products, ensuring they meet company standards for quality, taste, and functionality
• Plan, execute, and oversee plant trials (sample runs) to evaluate the viability and scalability of new products in the manufacturing environment
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to address and resolve any issues that arise during trial runs
• Ensure successful transition from pilot scale to full-scale production
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive product documentation, including vendor briefs, plant trial briefs, finished product specifications, ingredient lists, and Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Ensure all product documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and meets regulatory and quality standards
• Research new product ingredients and suppliers to source high-quality materials
• Conduct ingredient evaluations and quality assessments
• Work closely with Sales, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, and other departments to ensure alignment and support for new product initiatives
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates on project status and resolve any issues that arise
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines and milestones are met
• Utilize project management tools and techniques to track progress and coordinate activities
• Perform all related duties as required; related duties may not be specifically listed but are within the general occupational responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work Required Skills What You Need to Be Successful
• 7 years’ of commercial baking experience with batter and/or laminate dough products
• A certification or formal training from the American Institute of Baking (AIB)
• A degree in food science or related field desirable
• Proven track record of bakery product development from concept to commercialization
• Effective communicator with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes

Cafe Valley is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.