Cake Decorator - Full Time

Arlington, VA, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $16.50 - $30.20

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

employee discount

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support

flexible scheduling

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading grocery retailer known for its commitment to natural and organic products, sustainability, and community-oriented initiatives. Founded in 1980 and now part of the Amazon family, Whole Foods Market operates hundreds of stores across North America and the United Kingdom, serving millions of customers who prioritize healthy living and environmentally friendly practices. The company is dedicated to nourishing people and the planet by promoting better food choices, supporting local farmers, funding educational programs like school gardens, and working to alleviate food insecurity in underserved communities. Beyond being a grocery store, Whole Foods Market positions itself as a catalyst for positive change in the food industry and the broader society, striving to uphold high standards of quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

The role of Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is an exceptional opportunity for individuals passionate about baking and artistic food presentation. As a Bakery Decorator, the successful candidate will be responsible for the creative assembly and decoration of cakes, tarts, pastries, and special-order bakery items. This position demands not only technical baking skills but also a strong artistic flair to create visually stunning and delicious baked goods that align with the company’s standards and appeal to diverse customer preferences.

The Bakery Decorator plays a pivotal role in ensuring that all bakery products meet the highest quality, freshness, and food safety standards. They will be expected to manage production schedules, maintain precise records, and adjust production priorities to meet fluctuating store demands. The position requires adherence to Whole Foods Market’s Core Values and company initiatives, supporting team collaboration and excellence in customer service. Good communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are essential for success in this role.

This role offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $16.50 to $30.20, commensurate with experience, and eligibility for the company’s comprehensive Whole Benefits package, which includes paid time off, health and wellness programs, financial support, and employee discounts. Whole Foods Market provides an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace culture where diversity is valued, and all team members are supported.

Bakery Decorators at Whole Foods Market are more than simply cake makers; they are artists and food enthusiasts who contribute to the company’s mission of making a meaningful impact both locally and globally. Whether decorating a custom birthday cake or ensuring that every pastry on display looks irresistible, this role is suited for individuals eager to grow their culinary skills, engage with the community, and be part of an innovative and passionate team dedicated to revolutionizing the grocery experience.

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 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 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), greater than 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