What essential skills should I look for 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, focus on skills that are crucial for daily kitchen operations. Essential skills often include basic culinary techniques, food safety and hygiene knowledge, teamwork, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.

Common misunderstanding: All culinary skills are equally important for a Commis Chef.

Not all skills carry the same weight. Prioritise skills that are fundamental to your kitchen's function, such as knife handling and basic cooking techniques, over more specialised skills that can be developed on the job.

Common misunderstanding: Experience can compensate for a lack of basic skills.

While experience is valuable, a Commis Chef must have certain basic skills to be effective from the start. These foundational skills ensure they can handle their responsibilities safely and efficiently.

Why is it necessary to distinguish between must-have skills and nice-to-have skills for a Commis Chef?

Distinguishing between must-have and nice-to-have skills helps streamline the hiring process by clearly defining what is essential for the job and what could be beneficial but not necessary. This clarity assists in attracting candidates who are a better fit for the role and prepared to contribute immediately.

Common misunderstanding: Nice-to-have skills are unnecessary.

Nice-to-have skills are not crucial for immediate job performance but can enhance a candidate's integration and potential growth within the team. They can be seen as beneficial for future development within the kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: Must-have skills are the only criteria for hiring.

While must-have skills are critical, considering candidates with nice-to-have skills can provide additional benefits to the kitchen's dynamics and innovation, especially if they align well with the kitchen’s long-term goals.

Can you give examples of skills aligned with high-end versus casual dining kitchens?

Yes, the skills required can vary significantly between high-end and casual dining settings. For a high-end kitchen, essential skills might include advanced culinary techniques, precise plating, and a deep understanding of flavour profiles. In contrast, a casual dining kitchen might prioritize speed, efficiency, and the ability to produce consistent quality under less pressure.

Common misunderstanding: High-end skills are not applicable in casual settings.

While the focus differs, skills from high-end kitchens can be adapted to casual settings to enhance dish quality and kitchen efficiency. The ability to perform under pressure and attention to detail are valuable in any culinary environment.

Common misunderstanding: Casual dining doesn’t require skilled chefs.

Casual does not mean less skilled; it often means focusing on different skills such as speed and adaptability, which are crucial for managing a fast-paced environment effectively.