How should I define experience requirements for an AV technician job description?

Date modified: 30th September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.

Chef de Partie 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 dynamic contemporary restaurant serving 180 covers nightly with emphasis on seasonal British cuisine and innovative cooking techniques. Our kitchen maintains high-energy precision during service while fostering creativity and professional development among our culinary team. As a chef de partie, you'll work within our brigade system alongside passionate professionals committed to culinary excellence, managing your designated section with autonomy while contributing to cohesive team success. Our open kitchen environment demands consistency, speed, and attention to detail, supported by modern equipment and quality ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers. The role offers exposure to diverse cooking methods, menu development participation, and mentoring opportunities with junior kitchen staff.
• Manage designated kitchen section efficiently during all service periods, maintaining consistent food quality and presentation standards • Execute mise en place preparation following established recipes and portioning specifications • Coordinate with head chef and sous chef on daily prep requirements, special dishes, and menu modifications • Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, including commis chefs and kitchen porters, ensuring proper technique and safety protocols • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all section recipes, cooking methods, and plating presentations • Communicate effectively with service team regarding dish timing, dietary modifications, and special guest requirements • Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and HACCP protocols throughout food preparation and service • Manage section inventory, including accurate portioning, waste reduction, and stock rotation procedures • Collaborate on new dish development, contributing creative ideas and technical expertise during menu planning • Support opening and closing procedures including equipment setup, cleaning schedules, and prep area organization • Maintain professional kitchen standards including knife skills, seasoning accuracy, and cooking temperature precision • Handle high-pressure service periods while preserving food quality and meeting timing expectations consistently
Essential Skills: Proven competency in fundamental cooking techniques including braising, roasting, grilling, and sauce preparation; expert knife skills with speed and precision for various cutting techniques; thorough understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles; ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality standards; strong organizational skills for section management and mise en place preparation; effective communication abilities for kitchen coordination and team leadership; physical stamina for extended periods in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments. Preferred Qualifications: Formal culinary education or apprenticeship completion; 2+ years experience in similar kitchen environments with section responsibility; knowledge of dietary restrictions, allergen protocols, and special dietary preparation; experience with modern kitchen equipment including combi ovens, blast chillers, and professional-grade appliances; understanding of cost control, portion management, and inventory systems; leadership experience training junior kitchen staff; creativity in dish development and presentation techniques.
We're looking for dedicated culinary professionals with solid foundation skills who are ready to take their careers to the next level in our demanding but supportive kitchen environment. You should have 18+ months experience in professional kitchens with some section responsibility and solid food preparation skills. While formal culinary qualifications are great to have, we care more about your practical skills, work ethic, and genuine passion for creating amazing food. We'll provide comprehensive training on our specific recipes, plating standards, and how we do things here. There are real opportunities to grow your career including cross-training across different kitchen sections, getting involved in menu planning, and potential advancement to senior chef de partie or sous chef positions based on how you perform and your commitment to the role.
We're looking for someone who combines strong cooking skills with positive leadership qualities, fitting into our collaborative but focused kitchen culture. You should love the energy of a busy kitchen and stay calm under pressure, enjoy helping and teaching junior staff, and take real pride in consistently great food quality and presentation. We value people who are always keen to learn more, take feedback well, and bring creative ideas to menu development. Good time management, attention to detail, and reliability are really important for managing your section effectively. The right person will be passionate about their craft, committed to food safety excellence, and excited about growing with our expanding restaurant group.
Competitive salary of £28,000-£32,000 annually based on experience and demonstrated competencies, with performance reviews every six months offering advancement opportunities. Comprehensive benefits include: chef whites and knife roll provision; nutritious staff meals during all shifts prepared by our culinary team; 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and personal development days; ongoing culinary education support including external course funding and industry conference attendance; clear progression pathway to senior chef de partie, sous chef, and head chef positions; modern kitchen environment with professional-grade equipment and tools; collaborative team culture with regular menu development participation; health and wellness programs including employee assistance and occupational health support; staff recognition programs celebrating culinary achievements and professional milestones.

When you're defining experience requirements for an AV technician, it's essential to focus on relevant technical environments and practical skills rather than simply stating years of experience. Consider whether you need live event production experience, professional audio mixing background, or venue-specific technical support based on your operation's complexity and technical demands.

Common misunderstanding: More years of experience always means better technical competency.

Whilst experience is valuable, the quality and relevance of that experience matters more than duration. An AV technician with six months of intensive live event production experience often provides more value than someone with years of home audio or retail electronics background without professional venue technical support.

Common misunderstanding: Formal qualifications are essential for technical competency.

While educational background can be beneficial, practical hands-on experience with professional equipment and live event technical support typically provides more relevant skills. Many excellent AV technicians develop expertise through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and practical application rather than formal academic programmes.

What type of technical experience is most valuable for AV technician roles?

The most valuable experience includes hands-on equipment operation in live event environments, troubleshooting technical issues under pressure, and coordinating with event teams during actual productions. Experience with professional mixing consoles, wireless systems management, and real-time problem-solving in hospitality or entertainment venues provides the practical skills needed for immediate contribution.

Common misunderstanding: Any electronics or technical background is equivalent to AV experience.

General electronics knowledge provides a foundation, but AV technician roles require specific skills in live event support, venue acoustics, and real-time technical coordination. Experience with consumer electronics or basic technical work doesn't translate directly to professional event technical support.

Common misunderstanding: Studio recording experience is the same as live event technical support.

Recording studio experience provides valuable technical knowledge, but live event AV work requires different skills including real-time mixing, wireless coordination, and immediate problem-solving without the ability to stop and restart. Live venue experience is typically more relevant than studio background.

Should I require formal qualifications or prioritise practical experience for AV technicians?

Prioritise practical experience over formal qualifications for most AV technician roles. Hands-on experience with live event technical support, equipment troubleshooting, and venue operations typically provides more relevant skills than theoretical qualifications. However, combine practical requirements with basic technical education to ensure candidates understand fundamental principles.

Common misunderstanding: Degree-level qualifications guarantee technical competency.

Academic qualifications in audio engineering or related fields provide theoretical knowledge, but don't necessarily translate to practical skills in live event technical support. Many degree programmes focus on studio production or theoretical concepts rather than venue operations and real-time technical coordination.

Common misunderstanding: No formal education means inadequate technical knowledge.

Many highly skilled AV technicians develop expertise through practical training, manufacturer certifications, and hands-on experience. Industry-specific training and practical application often provide more relevant skills than general academic programmes for venue technical support roles.