Cake Decorator - Full Time

Union City, NJ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.50 - $30.20

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Store discount

financial wellness programs

Wellness support programs

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned grocery store chain that distinguishes itself by prioritizing not just food retail but also contributing significantly to personal growth, community enrichment, and environmental stewardship. As a leader in the organic and natural foods industry, Whole Foods Market is dedicated to nourishing people and the planet by promoting healthy eating habits, supporting educational programs like school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food in underserved food deserts, and addressing poverty in developing countries. Established with a mission beyond commerce, Whole Foods Market embodies the spirit of world-changers who aim to revolutionize the grocery industry by setting high standards of excellence in both product quality and customer service.

The Bakery Decorator role at Whole Foods Market is a creative and critical position that requires a blend of artistic skill and attention to detail. This role involves crafting and decorating cakes, tarts, pastries, and special order bakery items that not only meet but exceed the store's high-quality standards. The Bakery Decorator plays a vital role in delivering outstanding service and delicious bakery products that delight customers, contributing to the store’s reputation for excellence. Responsibilities include assembling, filling, and decorating bakery items with precision, following standard procedures to meet production demand, adjusting production schedules accordingly, and merchandising freshly made bakery goods attractively in the sales display case.

In addition to technical decorating skills, the Bakery Decorator is expected to uphold Whole Foods Market's core values by actively participating in store initiatives, maintaining strict food safety standards, providing guidance to apprentices and team members, and delivering excellent customer service. The role demands proficiency in various icing techniques, color theory application, and recipe adherence. The position often requires multitasking in a fast-paced environment with strong communication skills to meet customer expectations and support team collaboration. This position offers a competitive wage range of $18.50 to $30.20 hourly, commensurate with experience, and eligibility for comprehensive Whole Benefits including paid time off, health and wellness programs, financial wellness, and a store discount.

Job Requirements

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

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 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