How can I set appropriate experience requirements for 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, it's important to clearly define the level of experience needed. This helps ensure that the candidates who apply are well-suited for the role and understand what is expected of them. Specify whether you're looking for a trainee, someone with mid-level experience, or a senior chef, and describe the type of kitchen exposure required.

Common misunderstanding: More years of experience always means a better fit.

It's not just about how long someone has worked, but where and how they have worked. Focus on the relevance of their experience to your specific kitchen's needs, rather than just the duration.

Common misunderstanding: All kitchen experiences are the same.

Different kitchens operate differently. Specify if you need someone experienced in high-volume settings, fine dining, or with particular cooking techniques that are critical to your operations.

What type of culinary experience should I prioritise over sheer duration for a Commis Chef role?

For a Commis Chef position, prioritise specific types of culinary experience that align with your kitchen's operations over the length of time spent in the industry. For example, if your kitchen specialises in fine dining, look for candidates who have experience in similar high-quality settings. This ensures they are familiar with the pace and standards expected.

Common misunderstanding: Any kitchen experience is sufficient.

Not all kitchen experiences equip a chef for every type of environment. A chef from a fast-food setting might struggle in a fine dining kitchen without further training, even if they have many years of experience.

Common misunderstanding: A longer resume means more competence.

Focus on the relevance of the experience rather than just the length. A few months in a highly relevant role can be more valuable than years in unrelated culinary positions.

How do I communicate the availability or necessity of training in the job description?

Clearly state in the job description whether training is provided or if the candidate is expected to perform tasks independently from the start. This transparency helps manage expectations and attracts candidates who are prepared for the role as it is structured. If training is provided, highlight this as a benefit, as it can be a significant attraction for those looking to grow their skills.

Common misunderstanding: Assuming all roles require candidates to be immediately independent.

Not all positions expect candidates to hit the ground running without any guidance. Specify if your kitchen offers training to ease new hires into their roles.

Common misunderstanding: Overlooking the appeal of training opportunities in attracting candidates.

Emphasizing available training can attract candidates who are eager to learn and grow professionally, which can be beneficial for maintaining a motivated and innovative team.