Cake Decorator - Full Time

San Jose, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.50 - $30.20

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

financial wellness programs

Store discount

Wellness support programs

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading grocery retailer focused on natural and organic products, dedicated to nourishing both people and the planet. Founded with the intention of providing healthier food options, Whole Foods has grown into an influential player in the grocery industry, emphasizing sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community well-being. The company supports initiatives such as funding grants for school gardens, increasing access to fresh food in underserved food deserts, and tackling poverty in developing nations. Being a part of Whole Foods Market means being a part of a movement towards healthier living and social responsibility.

The role of a Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is a specialized and creative position that involves not only the art of cake and pastry decoration but also an important responsibility in maintaining the company’s standard of excellence in product quality and customer service. This position requires artistic talent and technical skill to assemble, fill, and decorate a range of bakery items including cakes, tarts, pastries, and special orders. Beyond just crafting visually stunning desserts, the Bakery Decorator ensures that every product meets stringent quality and safety standards, plays an active role in merchandising and product presentation, and supports team members through guidance and leadership.

This position offers an hourly wage range of $19.50 to $30.20, commensurate with experience, and is eligible for the company’s comprehensive Whole Benefits program. Whole Benefits provide a variety of perks including paid time off, health and wellness support, financial assistance programs, store discounts, and more. The Bakery Decorator role is ideal for someone passionate about bakery arts, eager to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and committed to delivering exceptional customer service. The role also requires a flexible schedule, including the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. The Bakery Decorator must adhere to food safety regulations and company policies while promoting the core values of Whole Foods Market. This position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to customer experiences and community well-being through artisan bakery skills and a commitment to quality and excellence.

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 bending, twisting, squatting and reaching motions
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
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
Completion of 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 ability to create decorative flowers and borders
Understanding of 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
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