Employee Development Drives Baking Industry Success

Baking industry companies are prioritizing career development as an important tool to attract, retain and advance employees in a highly competitive talent market.

In a recent American Bakers Association careers information webinar, speakers outlined how a wide variety of strategies — from mentorships to leadership development efforts — are baked into the approaches of major industry companies.

Robb MacKie, ABA’s President and CEO, observed, “There are many different career paths — and opportunities to literally go from entry level right up the boardroom.”

The webinar speakers represented major industry companies, including Flowers Foods, Bimbo Bakeries, H&S Family of Bakeries, Kroger, and Puratos. An earlier piece published about the webinar focuses on industry recruitment strategies.

Bimbo Bakeries Emphasizes Development

Employee development is a major focus for Bimbo Bakeries USA, said Colin Ward, Senior Recruiter.

“We give our internal associates the opportunity to identify what they want to do as next steps,” he said. “And we work with them on development plans to get there if they aren’t quite ready for that position yet.”

The company’s recent efforts include rolling out an internal apprenticeship program for employees interested in industrial maintenance, and implementing a program that enables associates to earn more as their skill sets increase.

H&S Embraces Customized Approaches

Focusing on individualized development approaches is central to talent strategy of H&S Family of Bakeries, said Jennifer Stiles, Director of Human Resources, Northeast Foods, which is part of H&S.

“We take really individualized approaches to developing leaders, to help get our supervisors ready to be department managers and plant managers,” she said. “We've had a lot of internal success with creating individualized development plans.”

The company also identifies internal and external mentorships to help employees grow their skills. One of the biggest career advancement success stories is Chief Operating Officer Jacquelyn Eddis, a 16-year veteran who started in a line role and rose through the ranks as her skills and experience grew.

Puratos Spotlights Education

Career development at ingredient manufacturer Puratos begins with educating new employees about the company during the onboarding process, said Michael Penrose, Talent Acquisition Manager.

Employees are given an intensive new employee induction through a series called Puratos University, that provides an overview into all aspects of the company’s culture and business.

“This connects employees to the business and opens their eyes to opportunities available,” he explained. “There are people who, for example, started in one area of the business and then moved into roles in a different department. This type of career development is something we’re always emphasizing and even include in our annual review conversations.”

Kroger Enables Career Journeys

Career trajectories are prioritized at Kroger, said Wayne Larson, Talent Manager.

The wide variety of Kroger’s operations, from manufacturing to retail, enables robust career opportunities for employees, he said.

“Our motto is come for a job, stay for a career,” he explained. “I'm one of those who came in thinking I’ll be working in a bakery. I'll do it for a few years and then I'll move onto something else. Well, I did move on, but I’m still with Kroger and that's because of all the opportunities that are here.”

Cultures that Value Employees

An important part of employee retention and development is fostering cultures that support customers, communities and employees, speakers said.

“We truly believe that our people make the difference,” said Ward of Bimbo Bakeries USA. “As an associate, you’re valued in everything you do.”

To read more about the Virtual Event and hear from the Flowers Foods' representative, click here.