Bakery Decorator and Finisher (Full-Time / Hourly)

POSITION TITLE: Bakery Decorator and Finisher

DEPARTMENT: Decorating & Finishing

REPORTS TO: Shift Leader

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 2025

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, the Cake Decorator & Pastry Finisher is responsible for the day-to-day production and finishing of cakes, pastries, and other bakery products while maintaining a high-quality standard. This employee is expected to work collaboratively with team members within and outside of their department, foster a positive work environment, and embody the core values of Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Cake Decorating Responsibilities

• Communicate with multiple departments to ensure product availability, timely special orders, and customer satisfaction.
• Review all cake orders to verify accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
• Complete all customer orders per specifications, including the correct flavor, filling, topping, and decorations.
• Baste cakes in a variety of different frostings including but not limited to whipped cream, buttercream, Italian buttercream, cream cheese, and poured ganache
• Create high-quality designs using techniques such as piping, airbrushing, icing roses, ribbon and confetti, fresh fruit, fresh flowers, kits, and basic fondant work.
• Write neatly and clearly on all cakes, ensuring color combinations are aesthetically pleasing.
• Finish and set up pastry platters.
• Maintain, inventory, and order decorative items for cakes, special orders, and seasonal products.

Pastry Finishing Responsibilities

• Assemble and decorate pastries such as cupcakes, eclairs, cake slices, cream pastries, and other products as needed.
• Assemble and decorate a wide variety of stock cakes for the store. This includes basting in a variety of different frostings including but not limited to whipped cream, buttercream, Italian buttercream, cream cheese, poured ganache as well as fresh fruit, chocolate, and assorted decorations.
• Prepare, trim, frost, and cut various bars, including brownies and fruit squares.
• Follow daily production lists and create additional products when core items run low.
• Ensure all pastries and cakes adhere to Wright’s Bakery SOPs for quality and freshness.
• Set up and finish pastry platters for retail or special orders.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in cleaning and sanitizing tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, including tables, floors, mixers, and other equipment.
• Stay informed by attending daily huddles, reading memos, and participating in team meetings.
• Use technology for scheduling, payroll, checklists, forms, SOPs, and various other forms.
• Communicate effectively with peers and management regarding necessities, challenges, and team well-being.

Competencies:

• Customer focus.
• Dependability and reliability.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong time management skills.
• Teamwork orientation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Leadership abilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

There are no supervisory responsibilities in this role.

Travel:

No travel is expected for this position.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Previous pastry production or decorating experience preferred; 2 years or completion of a pastry arts program highly desirable.
• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, early mornings, and occasional nights.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the essential job functions for this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb.
• Capability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Clear vision capabilities, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Fine motor skills are necessary for tasks such as piping, writing on cakes, creating intricate designs, and handling small tools or decorative items with precision.
• Exposure to airborne food particles (e.g., flour, sugar, nuts), fumes, smoke, loud noises, extreme temperatures, and a fast-paced environment within proximity to others.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made.