Cake Decorator

Job Title: Custom Cake Decorator
Location: Chicago, IL 
Pay Rate: $20.00 – $23.00 / hour 

Schedule: Full-Time | Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Sundays & Mondays Off)

About Paola’s Delights
At Paola’s Delights, we pride ourselves on authentic, high-quality baked goods and exceptional custom cake designs. We are seeking an efficient, skilled, and passionate Custom Cake Decorator to join our team. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can balance creative precision with strong time management, we want to hear from you.

Position Overview
We are looking for a reliable, highly efficient Cake Decorator who can handle custom cake projects from start to finish without sacrificing quality or production speed. You will be responsible for executing high-volume custom cake orders, routine display cakes, wedding cakes, and specialized requests while strictly maintaining our schedule and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities
Design & Decorate: Execute custom cake designs, specialty piping, fondant work, tiered assembly, and detailed icing techniques according to customer specifications.
Maintain High Production Speed: Work efficiently to complete orders within designated timeframes, balancing speed with fine-detail accuracy.
Preparation & Setup: Prepare buttercream, icings, fillings, piping bags, and specialty elements efficiently ahead of assembly.
Quality & Consistency: Ensure all finished cakes align with Paola’s Delights’ high presentation and taste standards.
Workplace Hygiene: Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe work area adhering to local health and sanitation guidelines.

Requirements & Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional custom cake decorating experience in a commercial bakery setting (Required).
Speed & Efficiency: Proven ability to manage time effectively, complete decorated orders promptly, and meet daily production deadlines.
Technical Skill: Expertise in buttercream icing, fondant, piping techniques, lettering, and tiered cake construction.
Reliability: Punctual, dependable, and available to work the set schedule (Tuesday–Saturday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM).
Portfolio: Applicants must provide a portfolio or photos showcasing past custom cake work.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to stand for extended periods during the shift.
- Manual dexterity required for detailed piping and decorating work.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs (e.g., cake tiers, tubs of frosting, or bakery supplies).

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and a portfolio of your recent custom cake designs - Applications without examples of custom cake work will not be considered.