Cake Decorator
3 months ago
The Bronx
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.