Cake Decorator - Part Time

Whole Foods Market IP. L.P.; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Whole Benefits

Store discount

Paid time off

Health & wellness programs

Job summary

Whole Foods Market in Princeton, NJ is seeking a Bakery Decorator to produce and decorate cakes and pastries, and to provide exceptional customer service. You will manage specialized decorating tasks, assist Apprentices, and ensure product quality and display standards are met.

The role requires experience in retail or bakery settings, ability to lift and work in a fast-paced environment, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Efficient cake and pastry decorating skills required.
• Understanding color theory for buttercream and palette coordination.
• Able to apply techniques with various icings (Swiss, American, ganache, etc.).
• Follow recipes, directions and procedures; manage time effectively.
• Advanced knife handling and safety.
• Basic math for recipe conversions and modifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to convey information clearly to team, customers and vendors.
• Meet customer service standards with a professional demeanor.
• Strong work ethic in fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, fill, finish/decorate cakes and bakery items.
• Build, ice, decorate cakes; maintain production records.
• Prioritize production lists and adjust as needed.
• Merchandise products in display cases and ensure freshness.
• Provide guidance to Apprentices and team members.
• Create special order cake designs per customer preferences.
• Provide excellent customer service and handle inquiries promptly.
• Maintain clean, sanitary work and shopping areas; comply with safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties with accurate signage and pricing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cake decorating

Color theory

Icing techniques

Recipe following

Knife handling

Math for recipes

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Work ethic

Education

Bakery Decorator Apprentice program

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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