Team Staffing: Commis Chef Positions Available in Reading
Job Description: Team Staffing – Commis Chef Positions Available in Reading
Main Responsibilities:
– Assist in the preparation and cooking of dishes under the guidance of senior chefs
– Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, adhering to hygiene and safety standards
– Prepare ingredients by washing, peeling, chopping, and measuring as required
– Learn and follow recipes to ensure consistent quality and presentation of dishes
– Receive and store deliveries, ensuring proper rotation of stock
– Assist with plating and garnishing dishes for service
– Collaborate with kitchen staff to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow
Required Skills & Qualifications:
– Culinary school diploma or equivalent experience
– Strong passion for the culinary arts and eagerness to learn
– Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
– Excellent communication and teamwork skills
– Attention to detail and commitment to quality
– Knowledge of food safety and hygiene practices
– Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Experience:
– Entry-level position; previous experience in a professional kitchen is a plus but not mandatory
– Candidates with internship experience or culinary school training are encouraged to apply
Pay Rates:
– Starting hourly rate: £9.50 – £11.00, depending on experience and qualifications
– Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company based on performance
Team Staffing is currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated Commis Chefs to join our talented kitchen teams in Reading. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring chefs to gain hands-on experience and develop their culinary skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.
What is a Commis Chef?
A commis chef is a junior member of the kitchen staff who works under a chef de partie or station chef. The role of a commis chef is to learn and gain experience in order to progress to more senior chef positions. They assist in the preparation of ingredients, cooking dishes based on recipes, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.
Commis chefs perform a variety of tasks depending on the section of the kitchen they are assigned to. For example, a commis chef in the vegetable section would be responsible for washing, peeling, chopping and cooking various vegetables under the guidance of the chef de partie. A commis pastry chef would assist in making desserts and baked goods.
The role requires passion for cooking, teamwork skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. Commis chefs need to be eager to learn and able to follow instructions precisely.
Commis Chef Positions Available in Reading
Reading has a thriving foodservice industry with many restaurants, hotels, pubs and other establishments that require skilled kitchen staff. As a result, there are often commis chef roles available for those looking to start or further their culinary career in the area.
Some of the types of businesses in Reading that may be hiring commis chefs include:
– Fine dining restaurants
– Gastropubs and bistros
– Hotel restaurants and banquet kitchens
– Contract catering companies that provide food services to offices, schools, healthcare facilities etc.
– Independent cafes and eateries
The exact responsibilities and requirements will vary depending on the establishment. Fine dining restaurants will likely look for commis chefs with some culinary school training and expect a high level of technique and ability to produce complex dishes. More casual eateries may provide more on-the-job training to entry-level commis chefs.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
While it’s possible to become a commis chef without formal qualifications by working your way up in kitchens, many employers will look for candidates with some level of culinary education. This could include:
– NVQ or diploma in professional cookery
– City & Guilds diplomas in culinary arts
– Foundation degree in culinary arts
– Higher national diploma in professional cookery
These programs provide hands-on kitchen training in areas like knife skills, cooking techniques, food safety, menu planning and more. They can help aspiring chefs gain the basic skills and knowledge needed to secure a commis chef position.
In addition to formal training, commis chefs need certain personal qualities and skills to succeed:
– Passion for cooking and food
– Willingness to learn
– Ability to work well in a team
– Good communication skills
– Manual dexterity
– Excellent personal hygiene
– Physical fitness and stamina to handle long shifts on your feet
– Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a high-pressure environment
Commis Chef Salary and Career Progression
Commis chef salaries in Reading can vary quite a bit depending on the employer and level of experience, but tend to range from £16,000 to £21,000 per year. With experience, commis chefs can progress to chef de partie roles with more responsibility and higher pay.
The career path for a commis chef usually follows this trajectory:
Commis Chef > Chef de Partie > Sous Chef > Head Chef
With experience and demonstrated leadership and business skills, some chefs go on to become executive chefs overseeing multiple restaurant kitchens or culinary operations. Others may become private chefs or start their own catering businesses.
Working as a commis chef provides foundational skills and experience needed to progress in a culinary career. It’s a great way to determine if working in a professional kitchen is the right fit before further investing in culinary school or training.
Finding Commis Chef Jobs in Reading
For those interested in finding commis chef positions in Reading, there are a number of ways to search for openings:
Online job boards: Websites like Indeed, Caterer.com, and Blue Arrow regularly post commis chef job listings for the Reading area. You can search by job title and location and set up email alerts for new postings.
Company websites: If there are particular restaurants or hospitality groups you’d like to work for in Reading, check their company websites to see if they list open positions or allow you to submit a general application.
Recruitment agencies: Some hospitality recruitment agencies specialize in placing chefs and kitchen staff. They may know of commis chef openings in Reading that aren’t publicly advertised. A few to try are Blue Arrow, Caterer.com, and The Change Group.
LinkedIn: Many chefs use LinkedIn to network and find job openings. You can search for “commis chef” in the Jobs section and filter by location. Follow the LinkedIn pages of restaurants or chefs you admire in Reading to see if they post any job listings.
In-person: Another way to find commis chef jobs is to visit restaurants in-person with a copy of your CV and ask to speak with the head chef or kitchen manager about any possible openings. You can also attend foodservice job fairs or culinary school career events in the Reading area to meet with potential employers.
Tips for Applying and Interviewing
To give yourself the best chance of landing a commis chef role in Reading, make sure your CV highlights any relevant education, experience, and skills. Even if you don’t have prior professional kitchen experience, include any related work or volunteer experience and describe transferable skills.
If you’re called in for an interview, prepare by researching the restaurant or company beforehand. Practice common interview questions and prepare examples of your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Dress professionally in neat, clean and ironed clothing.
Some commis chef interviews may include a cooking skills test or trial shift, so the head chef can assess your level of skill and ability to work in their kitchen. Treat it as an opportunity to learn and ask questions. Even if you don’t get the job, the feedback can help you improve for future interviews.
With the right training, skills and attitude, aspiring chefs can find rewarding commis chef positions in Reading and take the first steps towards a successful culinary career. It’s a challenging but extremely fulfilling path for those with a genuine passion for cooking and food.
Conclusion
Commis chef positions offer an excellent entry point into the culinary industry, providing hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs. Reading’s thriving foodservice scene means there are often commis chef jobs available at a variety of establishments, from fine dining restaurants to casual eateries.
While some formal culinary education is an asset, commis chefs can also gain skills on-the-job if they have the right personal qualities and attitude. Passion, teamwork, eagerness to learn, and a strong work ethic are key to excelling in this role.
For those interested in becoming a chef, starting as a commis chef is a great way to gain exposure to professional kitchens and build essential skills. With experience and dedication, commis chefs can progress to more senior roles and build a successful career in the culinary arts.
FAQs – Team Staffing: Commis Chef Positions Available in Reading
1. What qualifications do I need to apply for a Commis Chef position in Reading?
To apply for a Commis Chef position in Reading, you typically need a culinary degree or diploma from a recognized institution. However, some employers may consider candidates with relevant experience in a professional kitchen setting.
2. What are the primary responsibilities of a Commis Chef?
A Commis Chef assists the senior chefs in the kitchen by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be involved in plating dishes and learning new cooking techniques under the guidance of experienced chefs.
3. What is the average salary for a Commis Chef in Reading?
The average salary for a Commis Chef in Reading ranges from £18,000 to £22,000 per year, depending on the employer, experience, and qualifications of the candidate.
4. Are there opportunities for career advancement as a Commis Chef?
Yes, a Commis Chef position is an entry-level role that provides a stepping stone for career growth in the culinary industry. With experience and skills development, Commis Chefs can progress to higher positions such as Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, and eventually, Head Chef.
5. What should I include in my application for a Commis Chef position?
When applying for a Commis Chef position in Reading, include a well-crafted CV highlighting your culinary education, work experience, and relevant skills. A cover letter expressing your passion for cooking and your interest in the specific position can also make your application stand out. If you have any notable achievements or certifications, be sure to mention them as well.