Cake Decorator - Full Time

Whole Foods Market IP. L.P.; Upper St. Clair (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 50,145,000 - 86,535,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Whole Benefits

Store discount

Health & wellness programs

Job summary

Whole Foods Market is seeking a Bakery Decorator Apprentice to join our team. You will decorate cakes and pastries, assist in special order designs, and ensure high-quality presentation for customers.

This role requires precise decorating skills, teamwork, and a strong focus on food safety and speed in a busy bakery environment. Candidates should complete the Bakery Decorator Apprentice training or have equivalent experience, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work nights, weekends, or

Qualifications

• Efficient cake and pastry decorating skills with intermediate piping techniques.
• Color theory knowledge for blending buttercreams and palettes.
• Ability to follow recipes and maintain accuracy with time management.
• Basic math skills for recipe conversions and adjustments.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a bakery setting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with urgency.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, fill, and finish/decorate cakes, tarts, and bakery items.
• Build, ice, and decorate cakes following standard procedures.
• Prioritize production lists and adjust as needed.
• Merchandise products in the display case and ensure freshness.
• Provide guidance to Apprentices and Team Members.
• Create custom decoration designs for special orders.
• Deliver excellent customer service and upsell when appropriate.
• Maintain clean, sanitary work and shop areas; follow safety standards.
• Perform opening/closing duties and price signage accurately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cake decorating

Piping techniques

Color theory

Time management

Team communication

Knife safety

Mathematical calculations

Customer service

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bakery Decorator Apprentice training

Equivalent experience

Job description

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 addition, 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.

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 respectable 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: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >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.

The wage range for this position is $17.50-$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). Click here for benefit details.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

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