Cake Decorator - Full Time

Norristown, PA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.50 - $30.20

Benefits

Store discount

Paid Time Off

financial wellness programs

Health wellness support programs

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned specialty grocery retailer committed to promoting health and sustainability through the highest quality natural and organic products. Established with a mission to nourish people and the planet, the company is more than just a grocery store—it is a movement towards healthier living and environmental responsibility. Whole Foods Market stands out in the grocery industry by focusing on fresh, responsibly sourced food, supporting sustainable agriculture, and empowering local communities to gain access to nutritious options. This dedication has positioned Whole Foods Market as a leader in natural and organic grocery retail with a vibrant, inclusive culture driven by core values such as customer satisfaction, team member development, and environmental stewardship.

The company’s commitment to personal growth for its employees, alongside community outreach programs such as funding grants for school gardens and alleviating food insecurity in underserved areas, underscores its ethos of meaningful change. The work environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and geared towards innovation, setting a high standard of excellence that revolutionizes the grocery industry. Whole Foods Market offers competitive compensation ranging from $17.50 to $30.20 hourly, dependent on experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package called Whole Benefits, which includes paid time off, health and wellness programs, and financial wellness support.

The role of Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is an exciting opportunity for creative and skilled individuals with a passion for bakery arts. As a Bakery Decorator, you will be responsible for crafting visually appealing and delicious specialty bakery items such as cakes, pastries, tarts, and special-order goods. This role requires artistic talent to decorate cakes using various icings and decorating techniques while ensuring every detail meets the company’s high standards for quality and presentation. The Bakery Decorator plays a critical role in not only the production but also in customer engagement by providing exceptional service and supporting customization requests that delight customers.

The position also calls for teamwork and leadership, as you will guide and mentor Bakery Decorator Apprentices and collaborate with other team members to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient workspace. You will manage production priorities, monitor product freshness, handle inventory adjustments, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. In addition, you will be responsible for opening, mid-shift, and closing duties, including signage accuracy and price verification. This role requires a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and an ability to work well under pressure while maintaining a customer-focused attitude.

Overall, the Bakery Decorator position at Whole Foods Market offers a unique blend of creative fulfillment, skill development, and community impact. With supportive management, opportunities for advancement, and a comprehensive support system for employee well-being, this role is ideal for baking specialists who aspire to grow professionally while making a difference in the food industry and their communities.

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 including single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
Work requires bending, twisting, squatting and reaching
Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
Exposure to temperatures of 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