Pastry Cook and Decorator - Catering by Michaels

Are you a culinary professional with a flair for excitement? Elevate your culinary journey by becoming a Pastry Cook with Catering by Michaels.

Catering By Michaels has been one of Chicago's premier catering and event companies for over thirty years. We are well known for our 100% scratch kitchen, delicious cuisine, creative presentations and exceptional service. Additionally we are the only caterer in North America that is both Green Restaurant and Green Seal certified, following sustainable practices both in-house and at events. We have been honored to have catered some of Chicago's most high profile events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, The Black Creativity Gala, The Columbian Ball and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend among others. We enjoy preferred catering status at many of Chicago's most historic and iconic venues and are proud of our roots on the North Shore, as well as the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We are passionate about providing a beautiful and creative epicurean experience that truly captures the unique flavor and style of every event. We believe that catering is more than just food on a plate, it's our goal to exceed expectations and create an unforgettable experience.

Work as a member of the Catering by Michaels Pastry Team in Morton Grove.

REPORTS TO: Executive Pastry Chef, Pastry Sous Chef

POSITION SUMMARY

• Decorates cookies and pastries by hand
• Familiar with chocolate work
• Prepare pastry food items according to designated recipes and quality standards
• Operate mixers, ovens, scales and other pastry/baking equipment
• Able to interpret, understand, follow, and scale recipes, as well as solve problems as they arise
• Periodically participates in meetings for kitchen personnel for continued training and development, food and general safety, sanitation, informational updates, and on-going communications.
• Ensure that all areas of the kitchen, equipment, storage areas, refrigeration and small wares are maintained up to the cleanliness and sanitation standard of Catering by Michaels.
• Work parties, events and holidays as needed.
• Complete all duties while adhering to Catering by Michaels guidelines on sanitation, safety and organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift, handle and carry food supplies, small wares, equipment, supplies and paper goods at a minimum of 50 pounds constantly and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to constantly stand and exert well paced mobility for a period of up to 4 hours in length.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, stoop, reach and squat on a frequent basis to obtain, store and stock supplies and equipment.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and listen to supervisors and employees.
• Must be able to taste in order to distinguish between flavors, spices, temperatures, and mouth feel and smell to distinguish odors and scents, including the appeal and level of intensity for all food and beverage products.
• Must be able to work in an environment of extreme cold (30 degrees) and heat (above 100 degrees) with that may include fumes, odors, dust, smoke and loud noises.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous professional baking experience (1-3 years)
• Specific experience with decorating cookies/pastries and other piping work by hand
  • Interview may include a piping exercise
• Open availability for scheduling
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to multi-task and remain flexible to the changing needs of the business
• Preferred to be bi-lingual in English/Spanish.