Cake Decorator - Full Time

St. Louis, MO, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $16.50 - $30.20

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Store discount

Financial wellness

Health and wellness support programs

Employee assistance program

Retirement Plan

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned grocery store chain that has established itself as a leader in providing high-quality, natural, and organic foods. With a passionate commitment to nourishing people and the planet, Whole Foods Market goes beyond simply selling groceries; it actively promotes health, sustainability, and community well-being. The company is known for supporting initiatives such as funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to underserved communities, and alleviating poverty in developing countries. At its core, Whole Foods Market is dedicated to creating meaningful change through responsible business practices and a deep sense of social and environmental purpose. As a workplace, Whole Foods Market values personal growth, community impact, and setting industry standards in product quality and customer experience. This creates an empowering and fulfilling environment for its team members who are committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond.

The role of Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is vital in upholding the store’s reputation for excellence in bakery offerings. This position is responsible for all duties related to the creation and artistic decoration of cakes, tarts, pastries, and special order items. The Bakery Decorator employs creative talents and technical skills to meticulously assemble and finish specialty bakery goods, ensuring that every detail is perfect and meets quality standards. The job involves following established baking and decorating procedures, managing production and spoilage records, and prioritizing production tasks to meet the demands of the business. Furthermore, this role includes merchandising bakery products attractively in display cases to delight customers and ensuring proper product rotation and freshness.

Additionally, Bakery Decorators provide excellent customer service by responding promptly to customer needs, supporting team members and apprentices, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment in compliance with food safety regulations. The position requires a blend of artistic skill, technical baking knowledge, efficiency, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Whole Foods Market offers a competitive wage range of $16.50 to $30.20 per hour for this role, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package called "Whole Benefits." This includes store discounts, paid time off, financial wellness support, health and wellness programs, and other perks for both full and part-time team members. Whole Foods Market values diversity and inclusion, providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of background. Overall, being a Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market means being part of a mission-driven company where your contributions help create delicious, beautifully crafted bakery products while making a positive impact in your community and the world.

Job Requirements

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
Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Standing/walking 6-8 hours per 8-hour workday
Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
Work requires motions: bending, twisting, squatting and reaching
Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
Exposure to temperatures up 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

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