If candidates will be involved in menu development, how should I write this in a Commis Chef job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Commis Chef Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a professional restaurant kitchen serving 140 covers daily with emphasis on culinary education, skill development, and traditional cooking techniques. Our commis chef position provides excellent foundation training for aspiring chefs within our supportive kitchen brigade. This entry-level role focuses on fundamental cooking skills development while supporting kitchen operations through food preparation and service assistance. You'll work alongside experienced chefs learning professional techniques, kitchen organization, and culinary standards. The position offers exceptional opportunities for rapid skill development, with structured training programs and potential advancement to chef de partie, line cook, and senior kitchen positions within our culinary team.
• Assist with food preparation including ingredient prep, vegetable preparation, and basic cooking tasks under supervision • Support kitchen operations through mise en place preparation, stock preparation, and service setup • Learn and practice fundamental cooking techniques including knife skills, food handling, and basic cooking methods • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization following strict hygiene and sanitation procedures • Assist senior chefs with dish preparation, plating, and food presentation during service periods • Follow HACCP and food safety protocols including proper storage, temperature control, and contamination prevention • Support inventory management through stock rotation, waste monitoring, and storage organization • Learn kitchen equipment operation and maintenance including proper cleaning and basic maintenance tasks • Assist with special event preparation, catering orders, and high-volume service support as needed • Participate in training sessions covering cooking techniques, safety procedures, and professional development • Communicate effectively with kitchen team regarding tasks, timing, and learning opportunities • Support general kitchen duties including equipment cleaning, area maintenance, and operational tasks
Essential Skills: Enthusiasm for learning professional cooking with willingness to develop fundamental culinary skills; basic knife handling abilities with commitment to improving speed and precision; understanding of food safety basics and willingness to learn HACCP procedures; physical fitness for standing long periods and working in hot kitchen environment; ability to follow instructions precisely and accept constructive feedback; good communication skills for learning from experienced chefs; reliable and punctual work habits with strong attention to detail. Preferred Qualifications: Previous kitchen experience in any capacity demonstrating interest in culinary careers; culinary school enrollment or recent graduation; basic understanding of cooking principles and kitchen operations; food safety certification or willingness to obtain required training; additional language skills for diverse kitchen teams; genuine passion for food and cooking demonstrated through personal cooking experience.
This is an excellent entry-level position for people starting their culinary careers or those looking to transition into professional cooking. We welcome applications from culinary school graduates, career changers, and enthusiastic beginners who are serious about learning professional cooking. While previous kitchen experience is helpful, we're more interested in your attitude, work ethic, and genuine desire to learn. We provide structured training covering fundamental cooking techniques, kitchen safety, food preparation, and professional kitchen practices. Career development is rapid for dedicated individuals, with opportunities to advance to line cook, chef de partie, and senior positions based on skill development and performance. We support career growth through mentoring, training programs, and increasing responsibilities.
We're looking for someone with genuine passion for cooking and strong desire to learn professional culinary skills. You should be eager to take on new challenges, open to feedback and coaching, and committed to developing your abilities quickly. The ideal candidate will have positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to start at entry level while working toward career advancement. You should be patient with the learning process, able to handle constructive criticism, and enthusiastic about growing your culinary knowledge. We value curiosity, dedication, and professional attitude, seeking someone who will embrace our training opportunities while contributing positively to our supportive kitchen team environment.
Competitive starting wage of £10.50-£12.50 per hour based on experience level, with regular skills assessments and pay increases as abilities develop and responsibilities increase. Training benefits include: comprehensive culinary education through hands-on learning with experienced chefs; chef whites provided and maintained; nutritious staff meals during all shifts; 22 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays. Professional development opportunities including structured advancement pathway to senior kitchen positions, external culinary training support, and mentorship from experienced chefs. Rapid career progression available for dedicated individuals showing strong learning aptitude and professional commitment.

When writing a job description for a Commis Chef, if the role includes involvement in menu development, clearly state this responsibility. Highlight how they will contribute to creating and refining dishes, and specify any expectations for culinary creativity or collaboration with senior chefs.

Common misunderstanding: Menu development is only for senior chefs.

While senior chefs often lead menu development, Commis Chefs can also play a supportive role. They might be tasked with testing recipes or providing feedback on new dishes. Make sure to clarify their level of involvement in the job description.

Common misunderstanding: Involvement in menu development doesn't require specific skills.

Contributing to menu development requires creativity, a good understanding of flavours, and the ability to work well in a team. Mention these skills as either required or beneficial in the job description to attract the right candidates.

What emphasis should I place on creativity and culinary input for Commis Chefs?

Emphasize the importance of creativity and culinary input for Commis Chefs if your kitchen environment encourages innovation and experimentation. Describe how their ideas and creative contributions will be valued, and the ways in which they can influence the menu and dish presentation.

Common misunderstanding: Creativity is not important for entry-level positions.

Even in entry-level positions like that of a Commis Chef, creativity can be crucial, especially in kitchens that value fresh ideas and unique dishes. Highlighting this in the job description can attract passionate candidates who are eager to innovate.

Common misunderstanding: All kitchens expect creative input from Commis Chefs.

This varies by kitchen. Some kitchens might follow set recipes with little room for deviation, while others might encourage culinary experimentation. Be clear about your kitchen's stance on creativity to set the right expectations.

How do I outline roles in dish innovation or recipe testing if applicable?

If dish innovation or recipe testing is part of the Commis Chef's duties, detail these responsibilities in the job description. Explain the process they will follow, who they will work with, and how their input will be integrated into the final menu decisions.

Common misunderstanding: Recipe testing is just about cooking new dishes.

Recipe testing involves not only cooking but also evaluating dishes for taste, presentation, and cost-effectiveness. It may also include sourcing new ingredients and adjusting recipes based on feedback. Clarify these aspects to ensure candidates understand the scope of the role.

Common misunderstanding: Dish innovation is a solo task.

Dish innovation is typically a collaborative effort involving multiple team members. Make it clear that the Commis Chef will be expected to work closely with other chefs and possibly front-of-house staff to refine dishes and ensure they align with the overall dining experience.