Commis (Commi 1 / 2 / 3)

Job Description: Commis Chef (1, 2, and 3)

Brand: PizzaExpress

Department: Back of House / Kitchen Team

Reports To: Chef de Partie (CDP) / Sous Chef / Kitchen Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Purpose

The Commis Chef at PizzaExpress supports the kitchen operations by ensuring all food preparation, dough management, cooking, and sanitation guidelines are followed strictly according to company specifications. This role operates across levels 1, 2, and 3, scaling in responsibility from basic kitchen training and prep support up to highly skilled, independent station execution.

Level-Specific Responsibilities & Progression

1. Commis 3 (Entry Level / Trainee)

• Focus: Foundation learning and basic prep work.
• Duties:
• Assists senior staff with heavy prep loads (chopping vegetables, preparing basic starches, cleaning and setting up stations).
• Primarily focused on mastering kitchen discipline, equipment handling, and basic food preparation techniques.
• Strictly follows the kitchen cleaning schedules, sweeping, sanitizing work areas, and clearing garbage bins.

2. Commis 2 (Semi-Experienced / Intermediate)

• Focus: Operational support and component cooking.
• Duties:
• Performs more advanced prep tasks independently, including making fresh specialized house sauces and assisting with dough management.
• Monitors fridge and freezer storage temperatures, properly labeling and dating all batches.
• Steps in to assist senior chefs with line cooking and basic plating during peak operational hours.

3. Commis 1 (Experienced / Senior Station Chef)

• Focus: Station ownership and independent production.
• Duties:
• Independently operates assigned kitchen stations (e.g., the pizza oven or prep lines) and safely stretches, tops, and bakes pizzas to brand standards.
• Monitors stock movement, coordinates section requirements, and takes a primary role in reducing food wastage.
• Supervises, guides, and coaches Commis 2 and 3 team members during prep hours.
• Acts as a key liaison to the Front of House team to report potential menu shortages before service begins.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Minimum 10th or 12th Pass, or a Diploma in Food Production / Culinary Arts (preferred).
• Experience:
• Commis 3: 0–6 months or basic kitchen training.
• Commis 2: 6 months to 1 year of professional kitchen experience.
• Commis 1: 1–3 years of steady culinary or pizzeria experience.
• Skills: Excellent knife skills, knowledge of food safety (HACCP principles), and physical stamina to stand for long intervals in a fast-paced environment.