Bakery Cake Decorator

San Jose, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $16.25 - $21.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Store discount

Paid Time Off

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support

Team member perks

Training and Development

Employee assistance program

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading supermarket chain known for its dedication to offering natural and organic products. Founded with a mission to nourish people and the planet, Whole Foods has established itself as more than just a grocery store; it is a community-driven company dedicated to promoting healthy eating, sustainability, and social responsibility. With a strong emphasis on quality, environmental stewardship, and supporting local communities, Whole Foods Market continues to set high standards in the grocery industry and innovate how people access fresh and healthy food. The company supports various initiatives such as funding school gardens, improving access to nutritious food in underserved areas, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and fostering personal and professional growth among its team members. Whole Foods Market offers competitive wages, a positive work environment, opportunities for advancement, and a comprehensive benefits package called "Whole Benefits" which includes paid time off, health and wellness programs, store discounts, and financial wellness support programs.

The Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market plays a vital role in creating and decorating cakes, tarts, pastries, and specialty bakery items. This position requires artistic talent and detailed craftsmanship to produce products that not only taste delicious but also look visually appealing. As a Bakery Decorator, you will be responsible for assembling, filling, icing, and decorating baked goods using various techniques that involve buttercream, ganache, creams, and meringue. You will create custom cake designs tailored to customer preferences and help maintain high-quality standards in the bakery display. Additionally, this role requires strict adherence to food safety standards, supporting team members including Bakery Decorator Apprentices, and contributing to a clean, sanitary, and well-organized work environment. Working as part of the Whole Foods team means delivering outstanding customer service, following company procedures, and promoting the values and initiatives that make Whole Foods Market a recognized leader in the grocery retail space. The position offers a wage range of $19.50 to $30.20 per hour, commensurate with experience, and allows team members to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in their community and workplace.

Job Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Standing/walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
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: less than or equal to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), greater than or equal to 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

Job Qualifications

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
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

Job Duties

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