Cake Decorator - Part Time

Naperville, IL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $17.50 - $30.20

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Store discount

Financial wellness

Health and wellness support programs

Access to other team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a renowned leader in the grocery industry, committed to nourishing people and the planet through the provision of high-quality, fresh, and healthy foods. As a pioneering supermarket chain, they emphasize social responsibility, sustainability, and community engagement. The company funds grants for school gardens, supports access to healthy food in food deserts, and aids in alleviating global poverty, making a career at Whole Foods Market not only about employment but also about personal growth and meaningful social impact. Known for setting standards of excellence and revolutionizing grocery retail, Whole Foods offers a vibrant workplace where employees contribute to a greater purpose beyond their daily job tasks. The environment at Whole Foods fosters teamwork, continuous learning, and innovation, making it an attractive workplace for individuals passionate about food quality, customer service, and environmental stewardship.

The role of Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is an essential position within the bakery department responsible for mixing artistry with technical skill to create stunning cakes, tarts, pastries, and special-order bakery items. This position requires a talented individual to assemble, decorate, and finish baked goods while adhering strictly to company quality standards and food safety regulations. The Bakery Decorator plays a critical role in delighting customers with beautifully crafted treats while supporting store programs and initiatives. This role demands a keen eye for detail, accurate replication of cake designs based on customer preferences, and the ability to manage production efficiently to meet business demands. With a wage range of $17.50 to $30.20 per hour based on experience, the position offers competitive pay alongside Whole Foods Market's 'Whole Benefits' program which includes paid time off, health and wellness support, store discounts, and other employee perks. Ideal candidates should be ready to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays. Working as a Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market goes beyond cake decoration—it is about contributing to a culture of excellence, creativity, and community impact while ensuring a clean and safe bakery environment.

Job Requirements

Must be able to lift 50 pounds
standing or walking 6-8 hours in an 8-hour workday
use hands for single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
capable of frequent bending, twisting, squatting and reaching motions
exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals
exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), and above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
ability to work in wet and dry conditions
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
completion of 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 related to blending buttercream colors and coordinating complementing palettes
ability to apply proper techniques when using all icings including Swiss Buttercream, American Buttercream, Ganache, Cream Cheese Icing, Whipped Cream, Chantilly, German Chocolate Icing, Fudge Icing, and various Meringue types
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 clearly and respectfully to team members, customers, and vendors
ability to meet customer service expectations and standards
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 cleanliness and safety standards
perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned, ensuring accuracy of signage and pricing
perform other duties as assigned