Sample Baker

Izzio Bakery; Thornton, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Izzio Bakery is seeking a Sample Baker to help develop and commercialize new breads. This hands-on role combines baking expertise with a scientific approach to translate concepts into scalable products.

You will execute all phases of bread production, assist with trials, document results, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoffs from R&D to operations while upholding GMP and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in artisan and commercial bread production, including fermentation and dough development.
• Ability to test ingredients and adjust recipes in bench or lab settings.
• Knowledge of GMP and food safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Execute all phases of bread production (mixing, shaping, proofing, baking, cooling, slicing) to meet samples.
• Assist with trials and recipe adjustments based on taste, texture, and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring bread concepts to life and ensure smooth handovers.
• Record test results and ensure repeatability and quality assurance.
• Evaluate product quality attributes (crust, crumb, aroma, taste, texture) and assist with shelf-life studies.

Job description

Description

At izzio Artisan Bakery, we believe great bread starts with great ingredients—and great people. As the #1 selling and fastest-growing sourdough brand, we craft our bread in small batches using time-honored techniques, simple ingredients, and a passion for quality. Naturally fermented and incredibly delicious, izzio is real artisan sourdough. Our team is at the heart of everything we do—and a key ingredient in our success.

Position Summary

The Sample Baker plays a central role in developing and commercializing new breads for Izzio Artisan Bakery. This hands-on position requires baking knowledge combined with a scientific and process-oriented approach. The Sample Baker will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to bring bread concepts to life, translating ideas and concepts into commercially scalable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Baking & Development

• Execute all phases of bread production: mixing, shaping, proofing, baking, cooling and slicing to meet daily sample requirements.
• Assist with trials and recipe adjustments based on taste, texture, and performance.
• Work directly with test ingredients to achieve the desired product outcomes.

Recipe & Process Innovation

• Bake high-quality breads under the guidance of Technical Baker & Commercialization Specialist to meet the sampling needs of sales and marketing.
• Test new ingredients, methods, or processes in a benchtop or lab setting for commercial viability.
• Maintain detailed records of test results, modifications, and outcomes.
• Record all sample bread steps with accuracy for repeatability and quality assurance.

Support Scale-Up & Trials

• Participate in pilot and plant-scale test runs, assisting the technical baking team.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure a smooth handover from R&D to operations.
• Troubleshoot real-time baking issues during trials or product launches.

Product Quality & Sensory Testing

• Evaluate products for quality attributes such as crust, crumb, aroma, taste, and texture.
• Ensure consistency and quality of all breads according to product specifications.
• Support shelf-life studies, packaging compatibility, and storage condition assessments.
• Ensure GMP standards, cleanliness, and food safety practices are always followed.

Cross-Functional Support

• Maintain clear and proactive communication with all internal and cross-functional team members.
• Participate in tastings, product reviews, and presentations.
• Help train bakery staff on new product techniques and preparation standards when needed.

Requirements

Technical Baking

• Serve as a technical expert in artisan and commercial bread production, including fermentation, mixing, dough development, dividing, shaping, proofing, baking, cooling, and packaging.
• Provide on-the-floor technical support during daily production to troubleshoot product and process issues.