What should I include under pay and benefits 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 outline the pay and any additional benefits. Include specific details like the salary range or hourly rate, and mention any extra perks such as health benefits, tips, or meal provisions. This helps set clear expectations and attracts candidates who are looking for what you offer.

Common misunderstanding: It’s enough to just mention 'competitive salary'.

Simply stating 'competitive salary' is vague and can deter potential applicants who prefer to know exact figures before applying. Providing a specific range or a clear rate can increase trust and interest from candidates.

Common misunderstanding: Benefits are not as important as the salary.

Benefits can be a major deciding factor for candidates considering job offers. Including details about health benefits, leave entitlements, or unique perks like staff meals can make your offer more attractive.

How should I convey additional perks like meals, scheduling, or growth opportunities?

Highlight additional perks clearly in your job description to show potential Commis Chefs what makes your kitchen a great place to work. Mention perks such as complimentary meals, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for career growth or learning. Be specific about how these benefits apply, such as meals provided during shifts or options for varied work hours.

Common misunderstanding: Perks don’t need to be detailed, just listed.

Detailing how each perk works helps candidates understand the true value of what you’re offering. For example, explain how meal provisions work or what 'flexible scheduling' really means in your kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: All perks appeal to all candidates.

Different perks appeal to different candidates. Some may value career growth opportunities more than others who might prioritize scheduling flexibility. Highlighting a range of perks can attract a diverse group of applicants.

Why is it important to be transparent about salary or wage expectations upfront?

Being upfront about salary or wages in a job description is crucial. It sets clear expectations and helps filter candidates who are looking for a certain compensation level. This transparency can prevent misunderstandings later and ensures that the applicants are genuinely interested in the role at the offered pay rate.

Common misunderstanding: Discussing salary early might scare off candidates.

While discussing salary upfront might deter some candidates, it actually helps in attracting those who are comfortable with the offered range, thus saving time for both parties.

Common misunderstanding: Salary details can be negotiated later, so they don’t need to be precise in the job description.

Waiting to discuss salary details until later in the hiring process can lead to lost time if the expectations of the employer and candidate don’t match. Clear upfront details help streamline the hiring process.