Technical Baker and Commecialization Specialist

Izzio Artisan Bakery is a premier bakery renowned for crafting artisan sourdough bread using time-honored techniques, simple ingredients, and a deep passion for quality. As the number one-selling and fastest-growing sourdough brand, izzio has made a name for itself by producing naturally fermented breads that are incredibly delicious and crafted in small batches. The bakery’s unwavering commitment to quality is matched by its investment in people, considering the team to be an essential ingredient in its continued success. This dedication has helped izzio evolve into a leader in the artisan bread market and a beloved brand among consumers who appreciate authenticity and handcrafted excellence.

The role of Technical Baker and Commercialization Specialist at izzio Artisan Bakery is both challenging and rewarding, designed for a professional who blends artisan baking expertise with the ability to oversee the transition of new products from development to commercial manufacturing. This position demands an individual passionate about hands-on work in the bakery environment who also excels at solving technical challenges and supporting product launches. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively across departments, ensuring that each product meets the high standards of quality, consistency, and performance that customers expect from izzio. This role is pivotal in translating innovative formulations into efficient, repeatable processes that preserve the artisan integrity of the brand’s breads.

In this role, the Technical Baker and Commercialization Specialist acts as a crucial link between Product Development and commercial production operations. Responsibilities encompass supporting the commercialization of new products, optimizing and standardizing existing baking processes, troubleshooting production issues, and maintaining artisan baking standards at scale. Working closely with Operations, Product Development, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance teams, this professional ensures the successful adaptation of bench-top recipes into full-scale manufacturing executions without compromising quality. The scope of work includes involvement in plant trials, scale-ups, first production runs, and post-launch evaluations.

The position requires a robust understanding of artisan and commercial bread production techniques, including fermentation, mixing, dough development, shaping, proofing, baking, cooling, and packaging processes. As part of daily responsibilities, providing on-floor technical support and addressing process challenges is imperative. Moreover, there is a continual focus on process improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance yields, throughput, labor efficiency, product consistency, and waste reduction. Data-driven analysis is used to inform adjustments to formulations and operational procedures, contributing to overall bakery performance enhancements.

Collaboration is a centerpiece of the role, demanding strong interpersonal skills to partner effectively with multiple departments including Quality Assurance, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain. This collaboration extends to contributing to the development of production documentation, standard operating procedures, technical work instructions, and training programs. The role also involves training production teams on new products, process changes, and artisan baking techniques, fostering continuous learning and elevating technical capabilities within the bakery operations.

Located in Louisville/Thornton, Colorado, this position reports directly to the Director of Technical Baking and Commercialization. The base salary ranges between $85,000 and $110,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. The role may require occasional travel between bakery sites or visits to off-site customers and suppliers. Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are considered a plus but not mandatory, emphasizing the inclusive and diverse workplace culture at izzio.