Cake Decorator - Full Time

Whole Foods Market IP. L.P.; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 25,485 - 41,603; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Store discount

Paid time off

Financial wellness support

Health & wellness programs

Job summary

A national grocery retailer is seeking an experienced Bakery Decorator in Thousand Oaks, California. The role involves cake decorating, creating special order designs, and maintaining product quality. The ideal candidate will have 6-12 months of retail or restaurant experience, with additional training preferred. This position requires excellent customer service skills, effective time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Averages between $18.50 - $30.20 per hour depending on experience, with various benefits including paid time off and discount eligibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6-12 months retail or restaurant experience required.
• Completion of the Bakery Decorator Apprentice training program or equivalent experience is necessary.
• Preferred prior experience within a professional bakery or grocery retail.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, fill, and decorate cakes and other bakery items.
• Prioritize production lists and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Maintain product quality and ensure proper product rotation.

Skills

Cake and pastry decorating skills

Color theory understanding

Proper technique with icings

Time management

Knife handling skills

Basic math skills

Communication skills

Customer service orientation

Strong work ethic

Education

Completion of Bakery Decorator Apprentice training program

Tools

Kitchen tools and equipment

Ladders

Job description

As a Bakery Decorator, you'll be responsible for all duties related to creating and decorating cakes, tarts, pastries, and special-order items. You'll use your artistic talents to build and finish all specialty bakery goods, ensuring that every detail is just right. You will play a critical role in upholding our differentiators by providing outstanding service and delicious treats that meet our quality standards. In addition to following procedures, you'll support our Core Values and goals, promote companywide, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure strict adherence to all applicable Food Safety and compliance duties required in the department.

Job Responsibilities

• Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, select pastry, and special-order bakery items.
• Build, ice, and decorate cakes and other bakery items following standard procedures to meet business demand. Complete production and spoilage records according to standard procedures, adjusting production sheets to maintain sufficient product.
• Prioritize production lists and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Merchandise and showcase products in the sales display case to satisfy and delight customers. Monitor product quality for freshness and ensure proper product rotation within the display case, following standard procedures.
• Provide guidance and support for Bakery Decorator Apprentices and other Team Members.
• Create special order cake designs based on customer preferences.
• Provide excellent customer service, addressing customers' needs in a timely and effective manner, model suggestive selling techniques, answer phones and pages promptly and courteously.
• Maintain, or ensure maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintain equipment in accordance with Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned, ensuring accuracy of signage and pricing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skill Requirements

• Efficient cake and pastry decorating skills, including intermediate piping techniques and the ability to create decorative flowers and borders.
• Understand color theory as it pertains to blending buttercream colors and coordinating complementing palettes.
• Ability to apply proper technique when using all icings, including Swiss Buttercream, American Buttercream, Ganache, Cream Cheese Icing, Whipped Cream, Chantilly, German Chocolate Icing, Fudge Icing, and all varieties of Meringue.
• Ability to follow recipes, directions, and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
• Advanced knife handling, tool, and equipment safety.
• Basic math skills for recipe conversions and modifications.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.

Experience

• Minimum of 6-12 months retail or restaurant experience.
• Complete the Bakery Decorator Apprentice training program, or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience within a professional bakery or grocery retail, preferred.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.

Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion.

The wage range for this position is $18.50-$30.20 hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits offers a wide range of benefits for Full and Part-Time Team Members, including eligibility for a store discount, paid time off, financial wellness, health & wellness support programs, and access to other Team Member perks. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire and may vary based on work location, length of service, and job type (such as regular or seasonal). The note above has been revised for clarity. Please apply via our site for the most accurate information.