Commis Chef

De-Vere-Wokefield-Estate; Reading; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

28 days holiday

Employee discounts

Annual two-night stay with dinner

Staff events and recognition

Job summary

De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading is seeking a Commis Chef to join the busy hotel kitchen. You’ll prepare ingredients, support different sections, and learn how we deliver high‑standard dishes across breakfasts, conferences, and events.

No prior experience required; full training provided. This role offers varied shifts, meals on duty, and opportunities to grow within De Vere’s kitchens.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen experience would be helpful, but it’s not essential as full training will be provided.
• A positive approach and willingness to learn from the chefs around you and get involved as part of the brigade.
• A good eye for detail and pride in the food you help prepare.
• Someone who is organised and comfortable working in a busy kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and support different sections of the kitchen.
• Learn how we prepare and deliver food to a consistently high standard.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and safe, following our food hygiene and health & safety standards.

Skills

Food preparation

Teamwork in kitchen

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Organised under pressure

Job description

Great food starts with a great team. Are you looking to build your skills and start or develop your career as a Chef?

We’re looking for a Commis Chef to join the kitchen brigade at De Vere Wokefield Estate in Reading.

As a Commis Chef with De Vere you’ll be part of a busy hotel kitchen where there’s plenty of variety. From breakfast and conference lunches to restaurant and bar menus, weddings and special events, you’ll have the opportunity to work with different dishes and develop your skills along the way.

Working alongside our experienced chefs, you’ll prepare ingredients, support different sections of the kitchen and learn how we prepare and deliver food to a consistently high standard. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, get involved and build your confidence as part of the brigade.

You’ll also play your part in keeping the kitchen clean, organised and safe, following our food hygiene and health & safety standards at all times.

What we’re looking for from a Commis Chef;

• Someone who enjoys working with food and is keen to learn and develop their skills as a Chef.
• A positive approach and willingness to learn from the chefs around you and get involved as part of the brigade.
• A good eye for detail and pride in the food you help prepare.
• Someone who is organised and comfortable working in a busy kitchen environment.
• Previous kitchen experience would be helpful, but it’s not essential as full training will be provided.

With plenty of opportunities to learn and develop at De Vere, this could be the start of a great career in our kitchens.

The Pay & Benefits:

At De Vere we pay attention to the thoughtful details that inspire the loyalty of our permanent colleagues. That’s why we are proud to offer the following benefits for the role of Commis Chef.

• £12.71 per hour
• A share of the Restaurant Service Charge to help boost your earnings and reward you for the service you deliver
• Free meals on duty in our colleague dining facilities
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of the Leisure Club facilities saving you money on costly gym memberships
• We believe in celebrating your special moments too, which is why we offer an extra paid day off for your birthday, along with a £20 love to shop voucher.
• Varied shift patterns and contracts available to suit your lifestyle, we are 24/7 operation, meaning shift patterns to suit everyone
• As a token of our gratitude for your loyalty, we'll treat you to an annual complimentary 2-night stay with dinner in a De Vere property of your choice, plus additional monetary rewards for reaching long service milestones
• Discover exclusive perks with our £50 colleague rates for overnight stays at De Vere properties, accompanied by a fantastic 50% discount on Food & Beverage.
• 28 days holiday each year (increasing annually up to 33 days)
• Venue closure over the Christmas period allowing you time off to enjoy the festive season
• Explore our Exclusively Yours Benefits portal, unlocking hundreds of discounts on retail, travel, and leisure activities.
• We are committed to your growth and offer excellent career progression opportunities, including access to our Apprenticeship programmes and study support.
• Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Programme, Hospitality Action, providing 24/7 health and wellbeing support, including free counselling.
• Experience the flexibility and convenience of Wagestream, our financial wellbeing platform, granting you instant access to your pay when you need it.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our monthly colleague recognition programme, You Are De Vere, culminating in an exciting annual colleague recognition event.
• Join a supportive team that knows how to have fun with regular team appreciation events, including memorable Christmas and Summer parties.
• Gain peace of mind with our Company Life Assurance scheme, ensuring financial security for your loved ones.

De Vere Wokefield Estate set in 250 acres of rural Berkshire parkland is home to a historic Mansion House filled with traditional features and the contemporary Wokefield Place that offers state of the art facilities. It has 376 bedrooms and suites, 39 meeting rooms with large event space and a high tech dedicated conference building, an 18-hole PGA approved championship golf course and leisure club. Benedict's Bar, The 1560 Restaurant, The View Restaurant, Burr & Co. coffee shop and a deli are some of our amazing food and beverage options at Wokefield Estate: there really is something for everyone.

Your commute: just outside Reading, we're 10 minutes from J11 of the M4, with fast and direct trains from London Paddington to Reading Train station. We also offer subsidised travel to our colleagues who work at Wokefield Estate.

At De Vere, we warmly welcome everyone and foster a sense of belonging, where each person is valued and appreciated. Join our team and become part of a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the experiences we create for our guests and colleagues.