Automation & API Specialist (Contract-to-Hire)

Description JOB TITLE: Automation & API Specialist (Contract-to-Hire) DEPARTMENT: IT / Digital Transformation REPORTS TO: Chief Information Technology Officer FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt Bay Cities, an Employee-Owned Company, is the leading creative packaging and display partner to brand marketers, retailers and e-commerce. Our passion, experience, technology and consumer insights move product and drive sales. Our Mission Our Passion Powers Your Product Our Values Creativity: Our ideas create Client success. Passion: We have heart with a Customer Service attitude. Integrity: We honor our business & planet with sustainable practices. Responsible: We own it! Safe: Our safe work habits protect us all. Fun: We take our work seriously- not ourselves Summary As an Automation & API Specialist (Contract-to-Hire), you will serve as a technical expert in designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This role involves integrating APIs, utilizing Microsoft Power Platform (Power Automate, Power BI, Power Apps), and leveraging Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio to address business needs and operational challenges. This is a contract-to-hire position with potential for full-time employment based on performance. JOB FUNCTION/PURPOSE • Solution Development: Partner with stakeholders to identify and address operational inefficiencies using Power Platform tools and automation. • API Integration: Build and maintain API integrations within the Microsoft 365 environment to enable data flow between systems. • AI & Automation: Leverage Azure AI Foundry and Copilot Studio to implement AI-powered solutions, enabling predictive insights and decision-making. • Power Platform Expertise: Create and deploy solutions using Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Apps to enhance productivity and streamline processes. • Collaboration: Work closely with departments to ensure successful implementation, adoption, and training for automation tools. • Governance & Security: Ensure solutions comply with security policies and adhere to Microsoft 365 governance best practices. • Documentation: Develop detailed technical and user-facing documentation for integrations, workflows, and solutions. Experience EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES • 3+ years of experience in API development, automation, or process improvement. Automation & API Specialist (Contract-to-Hire) Issued: 1/15/2025 Page 2 of 3 • Strong expertise with Microsoft 365 tools, especially Power Platform (Power Automate, Power BI, Power Apps). • Hands-on experience with Azure AI Foundry and/or Copilot Studio is highly desirable. • Proven ability to develop and maintain API integrations in enterprise environments. • Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 compliance, security, and governance best practices. Skills • Proficient in automation and workflow design within Microsoft 365. • Expertise in API protocols (REST, SOAP) and integration development. • Strong analytical skills to translate business challenges into technical solutions. • Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams. • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD practices within a Microsoft ecosystem. Education • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience. Preferred Skills • Experience working in manufacturing or packaging environments is a plus. • Knowledge of advanced analytics and data visualization in Power BI. • Familiarity with Azure-based AI tools and machine learning workflows. • Understanding of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint integration capabilities. Work Environment • Fully remote, with occasional on-site visits if necessary (California-based). • Contract-to-hire with competitive hourly rates based on experience. Core Competencies • High ethical standards. Models and supports organization’s goals and values; adapts to changing conditions; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Consistently conducts themselves in an honest and trustworthy manner. Does not pursue their own individual objectives to the detriment of company goals. Sets an example for others to follow. Does the right thing. • Demonstrates energy and passion about what they do and knows how to balance work and fun. Is generally optimistic and upbeat; fun to be around. Has a strong belief and zeal for the industry, the job, and the company. Conveys energy and intensity at work with a capacity for keeping others enthusiastic and involved. • Operates with a customer service orientation internally and externally. Works to positively build the Bay Cities brand in everything he/she does. Builds strong, positive relationships with all stakeholders. • Acts as an owner of the business and instills that same attitude and level of action in others. Is proactive in taking responsibility for all outcomes/results and avoids ‘pointing fingers’. Helps to create and maintain a strong feeling of belonging in the immediate and overall team. • Regularly involves others in decisions that affect their job or work environment. Demonstrates cooperation and trust with colleagues and teams across organizational boundaries. Participates as a team player and establishes strong working relationships to deliver positive results. • Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, balance, and manage multiple efforts with strong results/goal orientation. Uses time effectively, prioritizes and organizes work flow; can orchestrate multiple activities at once. Agility and personal adaptability with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities with a high sense of urgency in a rapidly changing environment. • Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work. Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; strives for continuous improvement of self and processes. • Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey information and ideas in a variety of media, tactful, confident, at all levels, internal and external. Automation & API Specialist (Contract-to-Hire) Issued: 1/15/2025 Page 3 of 3 Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing environment. Other • US Persons Only (US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugee or asylee – all require proper identification and documentation). • Up to 10% local travel. • Physical and Environmental Requirements: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. • Work environment includes front-office and manufacturing. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. • Pre-Employment Verifications: Must pass background and reference checks, drug screen, and physical examination prior to employment.