How should I present technical skills required 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, clearly list the technical skills needed. Start by reviewing the key responsibilities of the role and then decide which skills are essential for these tasks. For example, if the job involves a lot of food preparation, basic knife skills and food safety knowledge are crucial.

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

Not all technical skills carry the same weight. Prioritise those that are critical from day one, like basic culinary techniques and hygiene practices. Skills that can be developed on the job, such as advanced plating techniques, can be listed as nice-to-have.

Common misunderstanding: A long list of skills makes the job description more effective.

A lengthy list can be overwhelming and deter potential candidates. Focus on the must-have skills to perform the job effectively, and keep the list concise and specific to your kitchen's needs.

What are common technical expectations for junior chefs in a modern kitchen?

In a modern kitchen, junior chefs like Commis Chefs are expected to have a solid foundation in basic culinary skills, including knife handling, understanding of cooking techniques, and food safety. They should also be able to follow recipes accurately and maintain cleanliness and organisation in the kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: Junior chefs need to be proficient in all cooking techniques.

While it's beneficial, junior chefs are not expected to master all cooking techniques immediately. They should have a good grasp of basic skills and be willing to learn more complex techniques over time.

Common misunderstanding: Junior chefs are primarily responsible for cooking.

Junior chefs, especially Commis Chefs, often handle preparatory work and assist more senior chefs during cooking. Their role is crucial in supporting the kitchen's workflow, not just in direct cooking.

Should I specify equipment familiarity or educational background in culinary techniques?

Yes, specifying equipment familiarity and educational background in culinary techniques can help attract candidates who are well-prepared for the specific demands of your kitchen. Mentioning specific equipment, like commercial ovens or sous-vide machines, ensures candidates know what they will be working with.

Common misunderstanding: Any culinary education is sufficient for a Commis Chef.

While any formal culinary education is beneficial, specify if you require education that covers specific culinary techniques or cuisines that align with your restaurant's style. This helps in finding candidates who are better prepared for your kitchen's needs.

Common misunderstanding: Equipment familiarity is not as important as culinary skills.

Familiarity with specific kitchen equipment can be as crucial as basic culinary skills, especially in high-tech or specialised kitchens. Candidates who are already comfortable with your kitchen's equipment can adapt more quickly and efficiently.