Cake Decorator - Part Time

Gresham, OR, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.50 - $30.20

Benefits

Store discount

Paid Time Off

financial wellness programs

Health and wellness support

Team member perks

Job Description

Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic grocery store committed to nourishing people and the planet through sustainable practices. Known for its dedication to high-quality, natural and organic products, Whole Foods Market pioneers innovative approaches in the grocery industry while supporting community wellness and environmental stewardship. The company not only provides exceptional food products but also funds initiatives such as school garden grants, improves access to healthy food in underserved areas, and addresses poverty in developing countries. This holistic approach highlights its vision of being more than just a store but a transformative force making meaningful change locally and globally.

The role of Bakery Decorator at Whole Foods Market is a vital position that blends creativity with precision in a bustling retail environment. As a Bakery Decorator, you will bring artistic talents to life by assembling, decorating, and finishing a variety of bakery goods, including cakes, tarts, pastries, and custom orders. This position demands a keen eye for detail and the ability to uphold the company’s high standards of quality and presentation. The decorator not only contributes to the visual appeal of bakery items but also directly influences customer satisfaction through exceptional service and product excellence.

This role supports the company’s core values and operational standards by ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and company policies. The Bakery Decorator works collaboratively with the team, providing guidance to apprentices and supporting overall department goals. From managing production schedules, handling special orders, to maintaining merchandising and display standards, the position requires both technical skills and strong interpersonal abilities. This role is hourly, with a wage range of $18.50 to $30.20 per hour, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers comprehensive Whole Benefits to both full-time and part-time team members, including store discounts, paid time off, health and wellness programs, and other perks. Joining Whole Foods Market means becoming part of a team dedicated to excellence, community impact, and fostering personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.

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
In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours
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: 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