Bakery Sales Associate

Spokane, WA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.15 - $20.75

Benefits

Employee stock ownership plan

DailyPay

401k

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation Time

Bereavement Pay

Jury Duty Pay

Paid sick leave

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Employee assistance program

Job Description

Yoke's is a well-established grocery and bakery company known for its commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service. With a strong presence in the community and a unique employee ownership culture, Yoke's offers a work environment where associates are valued as co-owners. This ownership mindset encourages pride, accountability, and a vested interest in the company's success. Among its standout employee benefits are a fully company-paid Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), competitive wages ranging from $17.15 to $20.75 per hour depending on experience, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options. The company also fosters a supportive workplace through programs like DailyPay, 401K matching up to 4%, paid holidays and vacation time, paid sick and safe leave, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), creating a holistic benefits package that supports both financial and personal well-being.

The Bakery Associate role at Yoke's is pivotal in delivering an exceptional bakery experience. The associate is responsible for engaging customers with genuine hospitality, promoting sales through product recommendations, samples, and education about bakery offerings. This position is not merely transactional but involves creating a welcoming atmosphere and embodying Yoke's core values and mission. Duties vary from greeting guests, writing on cakes, and providing free samples to helping with wedding consultations and setting up deliveries. Additionally, associates mentor new team members, operate bakery equipment safely and efficiently, and ensure compliance with all food safety, workplace safety, and company policies. The role demands a proactive attitude toward problem-solving, teamwork, and maintaining high standards for product quality and customer satisfaction. It is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy customer interaction, take pride in their work, and thrive in a dynamic retail food environment. The physical demands and safety expectations reflect the hands-on nature of bakery work, including lifting, standing for long periods, and operating various kitchen and merchandising equipment. Overall, this role offers a chance to grow within a successful, community-oriented company that values every associate's contribution and development with ongoing training opportunities and a supportive work culture.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED
One to three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience
Holds a valid State Food Handlers Permit
Holds a valid Driver's License or State I.D. Card
Meets the state minimum requirement to work with slicers or other bakery equipment and tools
Ability to communicate effectively and pleasantly with guests, vendors and associates
Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to handling money, weight, and volume
Ability to apply common sense and problem-solving skills
Ability to stand for prolonged periods, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, smell, talk, and hear
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds occasionally
Willingness to uphold safety standards and use personal protective equipment as required

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
One to three months related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience
Reads and comprehends simple instructions, short correspondence and memos
Writes simple correspondence
Communicates effectively and pleasantly with guests, vendors and fellow associates at all times
Performs mathematical skills using units of American money and weight measurement, and volume
Applies common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form
Manages problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
Meets the state minimum requirement to work with slicers or other bakery equipment and tools
Holds a valid State Food Handlers Permit
Holds a valid Driver's License or State I.D. Card
Completion of Yoke's provided training including Active Shooter, Bakery Skills Training levels One, Two, and Three, Food Handler's Safety Training, HIPAA Training, Late Night Retail Safety Training, Yoke's Safety Orientation Training / Active Shooter, and Yoke's Guest Service Training and Commitment

Job Duties

Reporting for assigned shifts on time, and on a regular basis, capable of communicating clearly and demonstrating suitable physical abilities to safety perform assigned tasks and duties, prepared to provide excellent service
Promoting sales through active discussions with guests, offering product recommendations, samples, and discussing current promotions and service information
Providing exceptional service by greeting guests, and informing them of specials, product information, and services offered by the bakery
Mentoring new associates or associates who are new to the department or task and assuring a positive learning environment
Understanding and capable of performing core bakery tasks including finishing par bake products, labeling product ingredients, dating, rotating, closing and opening department, writing orders, posting ads and display signage, inspecting bakery items for quality and consistency, decorating for seasonal promotions, merchandising, and using customer engagement cards
Operating bakery equipment such as com-line, phone, scales, shrink wrapper, sheeter, doughnut hopper, doughnut fryer, divider/rounder, bread slicer, dishwasher, proof box, glazer, label machine, case lights, ovens, PFM/shrink, and retarder in a correct and safe manner
Communicating and completing guests' special order requests with accuracy and timeliness
Finding a way to make our guests happy
Ensuring all work performed complies with all local, state, federal and company rules, regulations and policies regarding workplace safety, food handling safety, and guest services
Participating actively in the Bakery Department's accident reduction plan including maintaining hood/vents, cleaning floors, sanitizing, recognizing shelf order, safety features of all machinery, store evacuation plan, robbery policy, health codes, case temperatures, glove use, bin scoops, sink and storing regulations