How do I discuss my kitchen’s pace 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, it's important to clearly describe the pace of your kitchen. This helps potential candidates understand what will be expected of them. For example, you might describe your kitchen as "fast-paced with a high volume of orders" or "a more deliberate pace focusing on intricate dish preparation." This clarity helps set the right expectations and attracts candidates who can thrive in your environment.

Common misunderstanding: Any experienced chef can adapt to any kitchen pace.

While experienced chefs are adaptable, they perform best in environments that match their skills and preferred working pace. Being specific about the kitchen's pace helps prevent mismatches and turnover.

Common misunderstanding: Describing the pace of the kitchen isn't necessary if the cuisine type is mentioned.

The type of cuisine does give some indication of the kitchen's pace, but it's not enough. A clear description of the pace helps candidates gauge the intensity and speed of work more accurately, regardless of the cuisine.

Should I mention the pressure levels and how they align with the ideal candidate’s qualities?

Yes, it's very important to mention the pressure levels in your kitchen and describe the qualities of an ideal candidate that align with these conditions. For instance, if your kitchen is high-pressure, especially during peak times, you should look for candidates who are calm under pressure, quick to adapt, and efficient. Highlighting these required qualities ensures that you attract candidates who are not only skilled but also a good fit for the kitchen's dynamics.

Common misunderstanding: Stress management skills are only needed in high-end or large kitchens.

No matter the size or prestige of the kitchen, pressure levels can vary, and stress management is crucial in any busy kitchen environment. Clearly communicating this in the job description helps in selecting the right candidates.

Common misunderstanding: If a chef is technically skilled, they can handle any kitchen environment.

Technical skills are important, but the ability to handle stress and work under pressure is equally important. A chef who can't manage stress well might struggle in a high-pressure kitchen, affecting team dynamics and service quality.

How do I illustrate what a typical service looks like regarding speed and complexity?

To give candidates a realistic picture of what they can expect, describe a typical service period in your job description. Mention how quickly dishes need to be prepared and the complexity of the tasks involved. For example, you might say, "During a typical service, the kitchen handles over 100 covers with dishes that require precise timing and complex plating techniques." This helps candidates visualize their potential workday and assess if they can meet the demands.

Common misunderstanding: A busy service implies constant chaos and stress.

While services can be busy, a well-organized kitchen with a good team can handle high volumes efficiently and calmly. Clarifying this can attract candidates who are efficient yet wary of chaotic environments.

Common misunderstanding: Complexity in dishes is only about the cooking techniques used.

Complexity can also involve the timing, coordination with other chefs, and presentation of the dishes. It's important to describe these aspects to attract candidates who are truly prepared for the role's demands.