Bakery - Production Assistant - Cake Decorator

Cooplands Bakery; North East; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Colleague discount

28 days holidays including BH

Free coffee

Progression opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Long-service awards

Comprehensive training

Job summary

Cooplands Bakery in Durham is seeking a Production Cake Decorator to join our team. You’ll contribute to cake production and finishing, following precise specifications to ensure high-quality products for our shops.

The role suits someone with cake decorating experience who thrives in a busy production setting. You’ll be on your feet, follow safety rules, and help other bakery areas when needed.

Qualifications

• Experience in cake production, decorating or confectionery.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Team-oriented and reliable with a focus on quality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in cake production and finishing in a fast-paced bakery environment.
• Follow ingredient lists, specifications and production instructions to ensure consistency and quality.
• Support other bakery production areas as required to help meet production targets.
• Follow hygiene, allergen and safety procedures, including PPE requirements.
• Be proactive in learning and using bakery equipment safely.

Skills

Cake production

Cake decorating

Confectionery

Team player

Attention to detail

Food safety

Adaptability

Hardworking

Job description

Bakery - Production Assistant - Cake Decorator

Application Deadline: 3 November 2026

Department: Production Days

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Durham Bakery

Compensation: £12.71 - £13.92 / hour

Description

Joining us – it’s more than just a job!

Join a team that has been baking fresh, quality products since 1885. From our beginnings in Scarborough, we have grown to nearly 160 shops across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the North East—but our commitment to great products, exceptional service and strong local communities continues to guide everything we do.

Our two bakeries are a big part of who we are. It’s where our bakery teams bring together quality ingredients, traditional know-how and modern production methods to make the products our customers enjoy every day. From making and baking to packing and delivering, a lot goes on behind the scenes to ensure our shops are stocked with fresh, great-tasting products.

Our success is built by passionate people working together across our bakeries, shops and support teams. When you join us, you’ll be valued for the contribution you make, supported to develop and given opportunities to share ideas and make a meaningful difference.

We’re proud to offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can grow, succeed and thrive. If you’re ready to build your career with a business that values its people and heritage while continuing to look ahead, we’d love to hear from you.

What makes a brilliant Production Cake Decorator ?

This role is ideal for someone with experience in cake production, decorating, or confectionery who enjoys working in a fast-paced production environment.

Whilst the successful candidate will spend much of their time supporting cake production and finishing, they will also be expected to assist in other areas of bakery production as required to support business needs.

You’ll be:

• Passionate about great bakery products– you take pride in helping to make quality products for our customers to enjoy.
• A natural team player– you work well with others and are always ready to support your colleagues.
• Reliable and responsible– you arrive ready to get involved and can be counted on to complete your work to a high standard.
• Focused on quality– you pay attention to the details and make sure every product meets our standards.
• Comfortable following specifications– you carefully follow ingredient lists, product specification sheets and production instructions to make sure every product is made correctly and consistently.
• Committed to food safety– you’ll follow all hygiene, allergen and safety procedures, including our standards for nails, jewellery and piercings. It’s all part of keeping you, our customers and our products safe.
• Ready to learn– you’re keen to build new skills, use bakery equipment safely and understand how our products are made.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment– you enjoy staying busy and working efficiently to help the team meet its production targets.
• Happy with an active role– you’re comfortable being on your feet and carrying out practical, repetitive tasks throughout your shift.
• Comfortable working in different temperatures– our ovens and bakery equipment mean some production areas can get hot, while our fridges and freezers mean others can be cold. You’ll be provided with the appropriate PPE to help you work safely and comfortably in each environment.
• Comfortable handling food– you’ll work with our full range of ingredients and products, including meat and items containing allergens.

What’s in it for you

Alongside your salary, you’ll also get lots of other great benefits too, including:

• Colleague discount– which you can share with your family
• Holidays– you’ll start with 28 days, including bank holidays, and earn even more the longer you’re with us!
• Free coffee– it’s our own blend and we think it’s fantastic! Enjoy free coffee whenever you’re on shift.
• Progression and career opportunities– with nearly 160 shops serving great bakery products to communities across the region, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and take the next step in your career with us!
• Free Employee Assistance Programme– confidential support for you and your family whenever you need it.
• Recognition and long-service awards– because great work and loyalty deserve to be celebrated!
• Comprehensive training programmes– we’ll give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to do a great job and grow with us!

What happens after you apply?

We’re lucky to receive lots of applications, and we really appreciate the time and effort that goes into every one. Each application is carefully reviewed by a member of our team.

If your skills and experience look like a great match, one of our team will be in touch to tell you more about the role and guide you through the next steps. Although the exact process may vary depending on the role, so not every stage will always be needed.

1. Hiring manager review– we’ll take a closer look at your application.
2. Telephone conversation– an informal chat to get to know you and tell you more about the role.
3. Face-to-face interview & practical assessment – your chance to meet us and find out whether the role feels right for you as well as a chance for you to demonstrate your skills
4. Outcome– we’ll let you know the result and explain what happens next.

Everyone is welcome

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and believe our differences make us stronger. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, included and able to be themselves.

We make recruitment decisions based on your skills, experience and potential. If you need any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the application process, just let our us know—we’ll be happy to help.