Commis Demi Chef
Job Summary
As a Commis Chef or Demi Chef, you will help build new daily specials, refine prep systems, and support our chefs to scale consistent quality across busy shifts. You will work in a supportive kitchen environment with daily hands-on learning and rotation across various stations. We are looking for candidates with at least 1 year of kitchen experience and strong culinary skills.
Responsibilities
- Prepare mise en place and execute assigned dishes during service
- Maintain station cleanliness, stock levels, and food safety standards
- Assist with inventory counts and basic kitchen operations
- Support junior commis and collaborate with front-of-house staff
Required Skills
- Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience in a professional setting
- Confident knife skills and basic cooking techniques
- Practical knowledge of food hygiene and safety practices
- Valid typhoid vaccination and food handler certificate
Job Details
Responsibilities
Kitchen Prep & Production
- Prepare mise en place and component items to recipe standards so service runs without delays.
- Execute assigned dishes during service, following portioning, timing and plating guidelines precisely.
- Work with senior cooks to develop and test daily specials during quieter periods and adapt recipes as directed.
- Keep your station clean, restocked and ready for the next service to maintain steady flow.
Service & Quality
- Deliver consistent plating and portion sizes to meet our presentation and flavour standards on every ticket.
- Carry out temperature and taste checks and act on any quality or safety concerns before dishes leave the pass.
- Coordinate timing with front-of-house for large orders and special requests to ensure smooth guest service.
- Complete pre- and post-service checks and clear handover notes so the next shift can start confidently.
Operations & Safety
- Follow food safety procedures including correct storage, labelling and stock rotation to reduce waste and risk.
- Assist with inventory counts, basic ordering and simple wastage reduction measures to keep staples available.
- Report equipment faults promptly and perform basic cleaning or maintenance tasks as instructed by senior staff.
- Supervise or support junior commis during busy periods and provide clear, calm direction on service duties.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 1 year of kitchen experience in a professional restaurant or hotel, ideally with a la carte service.
- Relevant culinary certificate or diploma is preferred but not mandatory if you can show strong hands-on skills.
- Previous experience in a professional kitchen is an advantage and will be considered during selection.
- Available to work rotating shifts, weekends and public holidays as required by service schedules.
Hard Skills & Knowledge
- Confident knife skills and comfort with basic techniques such as sautéing, roasting and grilling.
- Practical knowledge of food hygiene and handling, with familiarity with HACCP or local food safety practices preferred.
- Able to follow written recipes, scale portions and maintain consistent plating under pressure.
- Comfort operating commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers and portioning scales.
Soft Skills & Qualities
- Reliable, punctual and disciplined with a positive attitude during busy services and good attendance.
- Clear communicator who takes direction well and coordinates effectively with chefs and front-of-house staff.
- Organised with strong time-management and multitasking ability to handle peak service periods.
- Physically fit for long standing shifts and able to meet health requirements; valid typhoid vaccination and food handler certificate are required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Daily hands-on learning and practical skill building across a varied a la carte menu and weekend events.
- Station rotation to expand your culinary toolkit with experience in sauces, grill and cold prep.
- Exposure to local suppliers and seasonal produce to grow your understanding of sourcing and flavour pairing.
- Supportive kitchen culture with mentorship aimed at preparing you for Demi Chef or Chef de Partie roles within 12 to 24 months.