Commis Chef

Dream Resorts; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Dream Resorts, located in the Greater Pilanesberg area at Finfoot Lake Reserve, invites applications for a Commis Chef. You will assist in food preparation, support in various kitchen sections, and work under the Head Chef to ensure quality and timely service.

You will learn knife skills, cooking techniques, and safety standards in a dynamic, guest-focused environment with opportunities for growth within the kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Food safety, hygiene, and sanitation knowledge to maintain a clean kitchen and safe service.
• Mastery of knife skills and different cuts for accurate prep.
• Knowledge of fundamental cooking techniques: sauté, braise, roast, grill, poach, bake.
• Familiarity with meats, seafood, vegetables, herbs, spices, and pantry staples.
• Understanding use and maintenance of common kitchen equipment (stovetops, ovens, grills, fryers).
• Ability to follow recipes, adjust portions, and execute menu items to senior chefs’ standards.
• Familiarity with culinary terminology to communicate effectively in a kitchen.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition to accommodate dietary needs and preferences.
• Grade 12 or equivalent; culinary certificate or diploma is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Assist in food preparation and mise en place across kitchen sections.
• Support Chef de Partie and station chefs during service with plating and garnishing.
• Learn and develop cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, equipment, and storage areas.
• Assist in executing menu items, specials, and orders with proper portion control.
• Ensure dishes meet quality, flavour, and presentation standards.
• Adhere to health and safety standards and sanitation protocols.
• Assist in stock rotation, labeling, and inventory control for the kitchen.
• Collaborate with kitchen team to ensure smooth service in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Food Safety

Knife Skills

Cooking Techniques

Ingredient Knowledge

Kitchen Equipment

Recipe Execution

Culinary Terminology

Basic Nutrition

Team Collaboration

Education

Grade 12 certificate

Culinary Arts certificate or Diploma

Tools

Stovetops & Ovens

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

Nestled within the Greater Pilanesberg area, Finfoot Lake Reserve is conveniently located just a short drive away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This serene retreat provides a diverse range of activities, including team building, biking, paddle adventures, bush walks, game drives, sunset barge cruises, and even Segway safaris – offering something for everyone.

Be it private rooms, conference facilities, or tented camps, Finfoot showcases a variety of wildlife and activities to captivate and entertain our guests, all delivered with the utmost service excellence.

Job Overview:

A Commis Chef is a crucial position in a professional kitchen, responsible to assist in the preparation and cooking of food items in various sections of the kitchen. They work under the guidance of the Head Chef and play a crucial role in the food production and smooth kitchen operations.

• Food Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of ingredients, mise en place, and cooking of dishes according to the recipes and standards set by the senior chefs.
• Station Support: Supporting the Chef de Partie or station chefs in the smooth operation of their section, including plating dishes, garnishing, and ensuring timely service.
• Learning and Development: Learning and honing cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen procedures under the guidance of more experienced chefs.
• Kitchen Organisation: Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, including cleaning workstations, equipment, and storage areas.
• Assistance in Menu Execution: Helping to execute menu items, specials, and orders during service periods while following proper portion control and presentation guidelines.
• Quality Control: Ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality, flavour, and consistency.
• Adherence to Health and Safety Standards: Following food safety and sanitation protocols to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Assistance in Inventory Management: Assisting in stock rotation, labelling, and inventory control within their section of the kitchen.
• Team Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other members of the kitchen team to ensure smooth operation during service and effective communication in a fast-paced environment.

Theoretical Knowledge and Experience

• Food Safety and Sanitation: Understanding the principles of food safety, proper hygiene practices, and sanitation procedures to prevent foodborne illnesses and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Knife Skills: Mastery of basic knife skills, including different types of cuts (e.g., julienne, dice, chiffonade), proper handling of knives, and knife maintenance.
• Cooking Techniques: Knowledge of fundamental cooking techniques such as sautéing, braising, roasting, grilling, poaching, and baking, as well as an understanding of how different cooking methods affect food texture, flavor, and appearance.
• Ingredient Knowledge: Familiarity with a wide range of ingredients, including meats, seafood, vegetables, herbs, spices, and pantry staples, as well as knowledge of seasonality, flavor profiles, and culinary uses of ingredients.
• Kitchen Equipment: Understanding the use and maintenance of common kitchen equipment and tools, such as stovetops, ovens, grills, fryers, blenders, mixers, and other essential kitchen appliances.
• Menu Planning and Recipe Execution: Ability to follow recipes accurately, understand cooking ratios and measurements, adjust recipes for portion sizes, and execute menu items to the standards set by the senior chefs.
• Culinary Terminology: Familiarity with culinary terminology and kitchen jargon used in professional kitchens to effectively communicate with other team members and understand recipe instructions.
• Basic Nutrition: Knowledge of basic nutrition principles, dietary considerations, and special dietary requirements to accommodate guests with food allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences.
• Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification
• Culinary Arts certificate or Diploma and advantage.
• Food Presentation: Understanding the principles of food presentation, plate composition, garnishing techniques, and the importance of visual appeal in enhancing the dining experience for guests.