How should I list the core responsibilities 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 listing core responsibilities for a Commis Chef, it's key to be clear and detailed. Start by breaking down the daily tasks into categories like preparation, service, and closing. This helps candidates understand what is expected of them and reflects the specific needs of your kitchen. For example, you might include tasks such as preparing ingredients, assisting during service, and cleaning up afterwards.

Common misunderstanding: Listing too many general responsibilities.

It's important not to overwhelm the job description with too many broad tasks. Focus on specific responsibilities that are unique to your kitchen's operation to attract the right candidates.

Common misunderstanding: Assuming candidates know the details of each task.

Don’t assume candidates understand the specifics of each task. Be explicit about what each responsibility entails, such as detailing what types of ingredients they might prepare or what cleaning duties they include.

Why is it important to divide Commis Chef responsibilities into preparation, service, and closing tasks?

Dividing responsibilities into preparation, service, and closing tasks clarifies the role's expectations and helps manage workflow in the kitchen. It ensures that all aspects of kitchen operations are covered and that the Commis Chef understands their role throughout the entire service. This structure also helps in training new staff by providing a clear outline of duties at different times of the day.

Common misunderstanding: Thinking all tasks are the same.

Each phase of the kitchen operation—preparation, service, and closing—requires different skills and focus. By separating these tasks, you help the Commis Chef manage their time and priorities more effectively.

Common misunderstanding: Believing that task division makes the role too rigid.

While it's important to define tasks for each phase, there's still room for flexibility depending on the day's needs. The key is to maintain a balance that keeps the kitchen running smoothly while allowing for adaptability.

How do I tailor these responsibilities to reflect my specific kitchen operations?

To tailor Commis Chef responsibilities to your kitchen, start by understanding the unique aspects of your restaurant's style and pace. Consider the type of cuisine, the volume of service, and any special equipment used. Then, list responsibilities that directly support these operations. Engage current kitchen staff or observe shifts to identify specific tasks that are crucial for your setting.

Common misunderstanding: Using a generic job description.

A generic job description might not capture the unique needs of your kitchen, leading to mismatches in candidate expectations and actual job demands. Tailor the description to include specific tasks and skills that are essential for your restaurant.

Common misunderstanding: Overlooking staff input in defining responsibilities.

Current staff can provide valuable insights into the daily operations and challenges of the kitchen. Involving them in defining the job description can ensure that it accurately reflects the role's requirements and enhances team dynamics.