Cake Decorator

Cake Decorator

Citarella is seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Cake Decorator to join our pastry team. In this role, you will be responsible for assembling, decorating, and finishing a variety of premium cakes, pastries, and specialty desserts in accordance with Citarella's established recipes, designs, and presentation standards.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical decorating skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to consistently produce high-quality finished products in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment. Working closely with our pastry team, you will help ensure every product reflects Citarella's commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and consistency.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Decorate and finish cakes, tarts, pastries, cupcakes, and specialty desserts according to Citarella's established designs, recipes, and presentation standards.
• Assemble, layer, fill, frost, and finish cakes using approved production methods and specifications.
• Prepare and apply icings, frostings, fillings, glazes, and decorative finishes while maintaining consistency in appearance, texture, and quality.
• Execute professional piping, lettering, borders, and other decorative techniques according to established company standards.
• Work with fondant, chocolate, and other decorative ingredients as required by approved product specifications.
• Complete cake orders accurately according to established designs, portion sizes, and production requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and production of additional pastry items, including parfaits, bars, and cupcakes, as needed.
• Follow daily production sheets, recipes, and established procedures to meet required production quantities and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate production and spoilage records to support inventory control and minimize product waste.
• Inspect finished products to ensure consistency, freshness, quality, and adherence to Citarella's presentation standards.
• Properly package, label, store, and rotate finished products according to established food safety and handling procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitized workstations, tools, and equipment.
• Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, allergen-handling, and workplace safety procedures.
• Communicate effectively with pastry team members and supervisors regarding production priorities, product quality, and operational needs.
• Promptly report product quality concerns, equipment issues, and potential safety hazards to management.
• Perform additional pastry production and decorating duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience in cake decorating, pastry production, or a professional bakery environment.
• Demonstrated ability to assemble, layer, fill, frost, and decorate cakes.
• Proficiency in preparing and applying icings, frostings, and fillings.
• Experience with professional piping techniques, cake lettering, and decorative finishing.
• Ability to accurately follow established recipes, decorating specifications, and production instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently reproduce established cake designs and presentation standards.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain quality in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to safely operate standard bakery tools and equipment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the pastry team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with fondant, including covering cakes and creating decorative elements.
• Experience with chocolate tempering, chocolate piping, and decorative chocolate techniques.
• Experience assembling mousse cakes, specialty cakes, and layered desserts.
• Familiarity with gourmet pastry production and premium bakery presentation standards.
• Knowledge of food allergens, cross-contact prevention, and safe food handling practices.
• Experience in a commercial bakery, pastry kitchen, or high-volume food production environment.

Physical & Additional Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing decorating and pastry production duties.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and precision.
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including refrigerated and warm production areas.
• Report to work on time, neatly groomed, and wearing the appropriate company-issued uniform and required protective equipment.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene and follow established food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work assigned shifts, including weekends and holidays, based on operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.