Bakery Associate - Woodbury 1 AM-11 AM Shift

Kowalski Companies is a family-owned business that embraces a civic business model aimed at sustainability and building meaningful relationships with both customers and employees. Established with a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and high-quality foods, Kowalski Companies also prioritizes supporting local and family-owned businesses to foster community growth and economic sustainability. The company operates grocery stores that emphasize an inviting shopping experience where customers can find a diverse range of products, including freshly baked goods made on-site. The workplace culture at Kowalski Companies is rooted in respect, transparency, and teamwork, providing a supportive environment for all employees.

The role of a Bakery Associate at Kowalski Companies presents a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive experience in the grocery bakery environment. This position allows individuals to learn the essential components of bakery operations including time prioritization, professional food handling in compliance with health code standards, and delivering excellent customer hospitality. The bakery at Kowalski Companies specializes in creating both delicate and savory baked goods, offering customers a wide variety of quality options. As a Bakery Associate, one is expected to contribute to a clean, organized, and efficient working environment while ensuring that customer interactions are positive and welcoming.

Associates working in the bakery are responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety and compliance with health regulations, which includes strict adherence to sanitation and food handling protocols. Effective communication and teamwork are critical components of the role, as associates must foster positive relationships with both coworkers and customers through transparent and respectful interaction and problem-solving. This position demands strong independence and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, such as filling and rotating products, maintaining cleanliness standards, and restocking bakery displays.

Kowalski Companies prefers candidates with some food service or kitchen experience, although extensive in-person training is provided. This training is designed to educate new employees thoroughly on how to perform their job duties safely, efficiently, and quickly, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. This particular role is ideal for someone who is motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn, with a passion for food preparation and customer service.

The position requires early morning availability, typically with shifts starting between 1 AM and 3 AM and concluding between 9 AM and 11 AM. This schedule supports the bakery team in baking, packaging, and preparing the department to open fresh each morning by 6 AM. Associates must be flexible with scheduling, able to work between 20 to 39 hours per week year-round, including weekdays, Sunday, and either Friday or Saturday, along with mandatory holiday availability. This role is part of the UFCW Local 1189 Union, which offers various benefits including guaranteed raises and ancillary benefits. Overall, joining Kowalski Companies as a Bakery Associate is an excellent way to develop bakery and customer service skills within a supportive and community-focused company.