Neapolitan Pizza Commis Chef

Job Summary

We are seeking a passionate and energetic Neapolitan Pizza Commis Chef (No. 3) to join our fast-paced kitchen team. In this role, you will be the backbone of our pizza section, supporting the Head Pizza Chef and Pizza Chef No. 2. You will learn the authentic art of Neapolitan pizza making, from handling high-hydration dough to mastering wood-fired or high-heat electric ovens. This is a fantastic entry-level or junior role for someone looking to build a serious career as a Pizzaiolo.

Key Responsibilities

1. Prep Work & Station Setup

• Ingredient preparation: Chop, slice, and prepare fresh toppings (e.g., slicing fior di latte, preparing San Marzano tomato sauce, washing fresh basil).
• Station maintenance: Set up the pizza line (mise en place) before service, ensuring all ingredients are fresh, stocked, and stored at correct temperatures.
• Dough management: Assist in monitoring dough fermentation, portioning dough balls, and maintaining optimal proofing conditions.

2. Pizza Making & Service Support

• Stretching and topping: Learn and execute the traditional Neapolitan stretching technique (slap method) to preserve the airy crust (cornicione).
• Consistency: Apply sauces and toppings accurately according to spec sheets to control food wastage and maintain quality.
• Oven assistance: Assist the senior chefs at the oven station, ensuring logs are fed into the wood fire (if applicable) and pizzas are monitored closely during their rapid 60–90 second bake time.

3. Hygiene, Health & Safety

• Cleanliness: Maintain a spotless workstation throughout the shift, adhering to strict "clean as you go" practices.
• Food safety: Follow local food hygiene regulations, including proper labeling, date rotation (FIFO), and allergen controls.
• End-of-shift cleaning: Deep-clean the pizza section, ovens, prep tables, and refrigeration units at the close of service.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Pizza-Specific Skills

• Basic Dough Handling: Familiarity with handling yeast doughs and the ability to portion and round dough balls into uniform weights.
• Topping Precision: Ability to portion ingredients accurately according to spec sheets to manage food costs and ensure consistent flavors.
• Fast-Paced Prep: Proficiency in preparing classic Italian ingredients (e.g., slicing meats/cheeses, blending sauces) quickly and safely.

General Kitchen Skills

• Knife Skills: Confident handling of standard kitchen knives for efficient and uniform ingredient prep.
• Mise en Place Organization: Excellent structural skills to keep a service station clean, fully stocked, and arranged for maximum speed.
• Stamina & Speed: Ability to stand for long periods, lift heavy bags of flour, and work efficiently in a high-temperature kitchen environment.

Safety & Communication

• Food Hygiene Knowledge: Clear understanding of safe food storage temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, and allergen handling.
• Team Communication: Strong verbal communication to stay synchronized with senior pizza chefs during high-volume rush periods.