Pastry Specialist/Cake Decorator

The Baker is key member of the Campus Dining Team within the Division of Administration at Vanderbilt University. The Baker is responsible for supporting the culinary leadership in a variety of functions and executing complex recipes. This position is also responsible for preparing a variety of breads, pastries, and desserts for our dining halls and cafes and completing other advanced level culinary tasks. This position will provide delegation to cook assistants in the kitchen. #VUrecruitIND

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Determine the day's bakery production schedule and quantity for each item to be produced.
• Oversee the production of bake shop (baker assistants)
• Monitor inventory daily and record items to be ordered.
• Measure and mix ingredients to form dough or batter, following recipes.
• Uses weights and measurements to ensure recipe accuracy.
• Responsible for recipe creation and menu innovation.
• Roll, cut, and shape dough to form rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies, and related products.
• Cut, peel, and prepare fruit for pie fillings.
• Place dough in pans, molds, or on sheets and bake in oven. Observe products while cooking and adjust controls.
• Mix icings and other toppings and decorate cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.
• Use a variety of kitchen tools, including electric mixers, pans, rolling pins, and cutting tools.
• Monitor baking process to identify needed adjustments.
• Follow information from production schedules and recipes and make changes when necessary.
• Handle and move ingredients, tools, and cooking pans.
• Control mixing processes and oven controls.
• Implement products by following recipes or creating new ones.
• Assist in the monthly inventory of bake shop items.
• Develop dessert recipes for special events as requested by chef/management.
• Monitor cost of baking ingredients.
• Provide on the job training to new hires and student employees.
• Complete all opening and closing checklists, complete cleaning lists.
• Follow all work rules outlined in the employee handbook

Safety and Sanitation:

• Maintain temperature logs and take temperatures of food regularly and record data as instructed by management.
• Maintain quality and sanitary standards of State and City Health Departments and Vanderbilt Campus Dining codes.
• Maintain clean and orderly work area and complete other general cleaning duties, such as mopping/sweeping floors and emptying trash cans and clean equipment.
• Report to management any safety hazards and equipment in need of repair.
• Assists in keeping the kitchen, refrigerators and storerooms sanitary and orderly by cleaning utensils, equipment, fixtures and work areas.
• Work in a team-driven environment, take direction, offer direction and assist with problem-solving.
• Greet customers entering dining location and follow FRESH customer service guidelines.

Customer Service:

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory, this position reports administratively and functionally to the unit's management team and chef.

Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Serve Safe Certified preferred
• Excellent customer service
• Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment
• Minimum 1½ years' experience in the food service industry as a baker is necessary
• More than 3 years' experience in the food service industry as a baker preferred
• Must be able to understand and follow directions
• Ability to read documents
• Possess knowledge and skill in a variety of cooking techniques
• Ability to cook complex recipes
• Must be able to safely operate all kitchen equipment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours
• Involves repetitive motion
• Requires frequent lifting/transporting hot food items
• Ability to work in all unit and kitchen areas while interacting with heated equipment, steam, chemicals for cleaning, etc.