Cake Decorator

PAQ, Inc. is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our organization and drive better outcomes for our customers and communities.

Job Summary

The Cake Decorator is responsible for creating visually appealing and delicious cakes, utilizing various techniques and decorations while exceeding customer satisfaction and following all food safety standards.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Prepare cake bases, frostings, and fillings according to established recipes and guidelines.
• Decorate cakes using piping, fondant sculpting, and icing to achieve desired designs and themes.
• Create intricate decorations using various tools and equipment, including piping bags, spatulas, stencils, and molds.
• Collaborate with customers to understand their specific cake design requests and provide recommendations based on their preferences and budget.
• Use food coloring, edible paints, and other decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal of cakes.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, including proper storage and handling of decorating supplies and ingredients.
• Coordinate with the bakery lead to determine baking priorities and production schedules.
• Assist in inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels of ingredients and supplies.
• Follow strict sanitation and food safety guidelines to maintain a clean and hygienic baking environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of various decorating techniques and materials (e.g., fondant, royal icing, buttercream).
• Understanding of baking techniques, cake structure, and ingredient compatibility.
• Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to ensure food safety.
• Familiarity with different types of bakery products, ingredients, and recipes.

Skills

• Artistic ability to design and execute intricate cake decorations.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Precision in measuring ingredients, following recipes, and ensuring the quality and appearance of baked goods.
• Efficiently managing time to complete baking tasks and meet production schedules.

Abilities

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work with precision.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations, manage multiple demands, and work effectively with diverse personalities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as decorating, customer service, and cleaning.
• Flexibility to adjust to changes in the bakery environment, such as new recipes, equipment, or customer demands.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods, typically 8-hour shifts.
• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Performing repetitive motions, such as kneading dough, mixing ingredients, and operating bakery machinery.
• Regularly bend, stoop, and reach to access ingredients, place items in ovens, and retrieve baked goods from shelves.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for tasks that require precise movements, such as decorating pastries, slicing bread, and packaging products.
• Working in a hot environment due to ovens and other baking equipment. Ability to tolerate variations in temperature and handle hot items safely.
• Good vision to ensure the quality and appearance of baked goods, read labels and recipes, and operate machinery safely.
• Maintain clear communication with customers and team members.
• Move quickly and efficiently to assist customers and manage workload.
• Maintain physical stamina to work in a fast-paced environment.

Work Conditions

• Work Hours: Vary, with availability required on weekends, evenings, and holidays; typically, 8-hour shifts for full-time employees.
• Environment:
• Indoor, climate-controlled with adequate lighting and ventilation.
• Exposure to hot temperatures from ovens and warmers and cooler temperatures in refrigerated areas and freezers.
• Food Handling: Regular handling of various food products, including flour, sugar, and other baking ingredients, which may involve exposure to allergens.
• Dress Code: Professional and presentable attire as determined by store management, including a name tag, company-issued shirts, hats, jackets, or personal shirts that are black, burgundy, or blue, in good repair, and not faded.
• Use approved hats or hair nets.
• Wear safety toes and non-slip shoes.
• Exposure: May be exposed to hot equipment and cleaning chemicals.
• Noise Level: Working in an environment with moderate to high noise levels from mixers, ovens, and other bakery equipment.
• Interaction: Constant interaction with customers and team members in a fast-paced retail environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. A culinary school diploma or equivalent is a plus.
• Experience: Proven experience as a cake decorator or in a similar role.

Company Employment Policies

• PAQ, Inc is an “At-Will” employer.
• PAQ, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Job Title: Cake Decorator

Location: PAQ, Inc, Store Location, On-Site

Reports To: Lead, Bakery

Employee Type: Regular, Full-Time

Exemption Type: Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$16.90 - $22.00

Equal Employment Opportunity

PAQ, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

PAQ, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.

Work Authorization

All employment offers are contingent upon verification of authorization to work in the United States in compliance with applicable federal laws.

Pay Transparency (California)

The base pay range for this position is listed above. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, internal equity, and business need.

Fair Chance Statement (California)

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local ordinances.