Job Description

We believe that great food is grown with care and that your personal and professional growth deserves just as much attention. Our apprenticeship programs are designed to help Team Members develop specialized skills in an artisan craft and transform that experience into a career.

As an Apprentice Bakery Decorator, you'll have the opportunity to learn and develop the art of cake and pastry decorating. Our unique training program combines hands-on training with formal learning to teach you the techniques required to assemble and decorate beautiful and delicious cakes and pastries that meet our quality standards.

Our Bakery Decorator Apprentice Program is designed to provide you with a deep understanding of our commitment to retail excellence while developing your artistic skills and technique. Join us in enriching the Whole Foods Market experience by decorating high-quality and beautiful cakes and pastries that our customers will love.

• Under the guidance of a Bakery Decorator acting as a Designated Instructor, learns and performs the following 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.
  • Create special order cake designs based on customer preferences.
  • Provide excellent customer service, addresses customers' needs in a timely and effective manner, models suggestive selling techniques, answers 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 including a strict adherence to all applicable Food Safety and compliance duties required in the department.
• Support our Core Values and goals, promote companywide, regional, and store programs and initiatives.
• Apprentice Bakery Decorators are expected to successfully complete the Bakery Decorator Apprentice Program within the allotted timeframe of six months. Team Members that do not complete the program within six months may be given an additional three months to complete all program requirements and pass a final certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Skill Requirements

• Passion for natural foods, and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for work, and demonstrated collaborative work ethic.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner in all interactions with customers, supplier partners, and fellow Team Members.
• Basic knife handling and tool/equipment safety.
• Ability to follow recipes, directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.

• Experience Required

• Prior experience within bakery or grocery retail is preferred.
• Internal candidates for Apprentice Bakery Decorator role must be in good standing and have no active final warnings on file.

• Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: 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: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >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.

The wage range for this position is $18.00 - $25.40 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers “Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire.

New entry level Team Members who successfully complete their first 90-days of employment and who remain actively employed in an eligible role, may be eligible for a base rate increase after their 90-day anniversary.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.