What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pastry Cook & Baker position at Catering by Michaels?
Join Our Pastry Team
At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. Every dessert, pastry, and finishing touch contributes to an experience that guests remember long after the event is over.
Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, and private celebrations.
We are looking for a Pastry Decorator and Baker who takes pride in craftsmanship, values consistency, and enjoys working in a fast-paced production environment where quality matters.
About Catering by Michaels
For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through creativity, execution, and exceptional service.
- Scratch kitchen with all desserts produced in-house
- Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
- Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, LIV Golf, and the Black Creativity Gala
- Preferred caterer at many of Chicago's most iconic venues
- Full-service catering and event production throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
Our pastry department is responsible for creating desserts that are as memorable as the events themselves. This position reports to work at our commissary kitchen in Morton Grove.
Why This Role Matters
Presentation matters. Attention to detail matters. Consistency matters.
As a Pastry Decorator and Baker, you are responsible for helping create desserts and pastries that reflect the standards and reputation of Catering by Michaels. From decorating cookies and cakes to executing recipes with precision, your work directly contributes to the client and guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Decorate cookies, pastries, and other desserts with precision and creativity
- Work with chocolate and specialty pastry techniques to enhance presentation and quality
- Prepare pastry items according to established recipes and production standards
- Operate mixers, ovens, scales, and other pastry and baking equipment safely and efficiently
- Follow recipes accurately while demonstrating the ability to solve problems and adapt as needed
- Participate in department meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, sanitation, safety, and organization throughout all pastry production areas
- Ensure kitchen equipment, refrigeration, storage areas, and small wares meet company sanitation standards
- Support event production, holiday schedules, and special projects as needed
- Complete all responsibilities in accordance with Catering by Michaels safety and food handling procedures
Qualifications
- 1 to 3 years of professional baking or pastry experience
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to multitask and adapt to changing production priorities
- Reliable attendance and dependability
- Open availability including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Bilingual English and Spanish skills are preferred. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as well
Applicants may be asked to stage in the pastry department, as well as complete any necessary skill tests.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, and move food products, equipment, and supplies weighing 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally
- Ability to stand and remain mobile for extended periods, often up to 6 hours at a time
- Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, reach, and squat frequently throughout a shift
- Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors and fellow team members
- Ability to taste and smell food products for quality control purposes
- Comfortable working in environments that include refrigerated storage areas, hot kitchens, food production equipment, noise, and varying temperatures
Why Work With Catering by Michaels
We have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our pastry team takes pride in producing desserts from scratch and contributing to events that leave a lasting impression.
If you are passionate about baking, enjoy working with a team of culinary professionals, and want to grow your skills with one of Chicago's premier catering and events companies, we encourage you to apply.
Salary : $18 - $21