SELWYN COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE
Catering
Full-time
Commis Chef

Job Description

Job title:

Commis Chef

Department:

Catering

Reports to:

Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef

Working pattern:

37.5 hours per week

Contract:

Permanent

Purpose of the role

To assist the Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef in consistently producing the highest possible
standard of food for our students, staff, Fellows and conference guests.

Key duties and responsibilities

Under the direction of the Head Chef and Deputy Head Chef, you will work with the Section
Chefs to provide consistently high quality food and introduce innovative dishes to enhance the
overall dining experience for our customers.

•  Prepare, cook and present consistently high quality food in the servery, at formal, high

table and for all other college conference activities

•  Maintain budgets and avoid wastage by ensuring food is not cooked too far in advance,

or that excessive amounts of food are produced.

•  Ensure all HACCP and food safety procedures are fully complied with.

•  Provide any necessary cover during periods of staff absence.

•  Assist in any other tasks as instructed by the Head Chef within the overall function of

the job.

Commis Chef JD – November 2025

•  Attend any identified training courses to enable the post holder to competently perform

the duties of the role. This will include health and safety training to minimise
occupational risks.

•  Provide accurate allergen information at all services

•  Liaise with Fellows, students, guests, staff and visitors at service areas in a polite and

professional manner

Person Specification

•  Hold or be working towards City & Guilds 706, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent award

•  A current basic food hygiene certificate

•  Creative flair, and a passion for food and presentation  Previous experience of working

in a busy restaurant

•  The ability to cater for a wide range of functions

•  Willing to undertake NVQ Level 3 Food Preparation & Cooking

•  Enthusiastic and willing to lean from training provided

•  Good organisational, time management and planning skills

•  Effective communication skills and a friendly disposition

•  Knowledge of food presentation and temperature control

•  Ability to work under pressure

•  Able to work under instruction and in harmony with colleagues

•  A positive ‘can do’ attitude, a willingness to help others and work additional hours to

provide cover for absent colleagues

•  Knowledge of the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006, COSHH Regulations 1998

and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

If you do not meet all the criteria, don’t be deterred from applying if you feel this role is for
you. You may have other relevant skills and experience which would prove valuable in this
role.

Commis Chef JD – November 2025

Where you fit in the structure

Bursar

Operations
Manager

Head of Catering

Head Chef

College Butler

Café/Bar Manager

Stores Supervisor

Deputy Head Chef

Deputy Butler &
Cellar Manager

Café/Bar Supervisor

Senior Chefs de
Partie

Hall Supervisors

Section Chefs

High Table Catering
Assistants

Junior Chef de
Partie

Catering Assistants

Commis Chefs

Kitchen Porters
(Front of House)

Kitchen Porters
(Plate Wash)

Commis Chef JD – November 2025