Closing Date: 25 December 2025
The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott in Menlyn, Pretoria, is seeking dedicated and passionate applicants for the role of Commis Chef. This position is ideal for individuals who are beginning their culinary careers or those interested in developing advanced kitchen skills within a professional and internationally accredited hotel environment. With a closing date of 25 December 2025, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Overview of the Role
A Commis Chef plays a vital role in ensuring consistency, quality, and smooth operation within the hotel kitchen. The position requires hands-on food preparation, adherence to hygiene policies, and the ability to work under the guidance of senior chefs. This role forms the foundation of a long-term culinary pathway, preparing candidates for future growth into Demi Chef, Chef de Partie, and Sous Chef positions.
Stipend / Salary Offered
While remuneration may vary based on experience and the hotel’s internal scale, entry-level hospitality kitchen roles in major Pretoria hotels typically offer:
- Stipend or Monthly Salary: R6 500 – R10 000 per month
This range applies to individuals starting out or with limited experience. Experienced Commis Chefs may fall on the higher end of the scale.
This package may also include additional benefits such as meals on duty, uniforms, hotel staff discounts, and training support, depending on the hotel’s internal policy.
Fields Offered / Exposure and Training Areas
The position provides comprehensive exposure to several key culinary functions, preparing applicants for a professional career in hospitality. Fields covered include:
- Hot Kitchen Production: Cooking, seasoning, food plating, and preparation of daily menu items.
- Cold Kitchen / Pantry: Salads, starters, cold dishes, and ingredient preparation.
- Pastry and Desserts: Assistance with basic pastries, desserts, and baked items depending on department rotation.
- Food Safety and Sanitation: Training in HACCP standards, kitchen hygiene, storage, and food handling procedures.
- Hotel Culinary Operations: Understanding workflow, inventory rotation, stock control, and professional equipment usage.
- Menu Preparation Support: Assisting senior chefs with mise-en-place and daily menu planning tasks.
The training structure ensures that each Commis Chef gains practical experience in multiple stations, strengthening both versatility and technical skill.
Requirements
To qualify for the Commis Chef position, applicants must meet the hotel’s basic selection criteria. Key requirements include:
- A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent school qualification.
- A Culinary Certificate, Diploma, or Professional Cooking qualification from a recognized institution is highly recommended.
- Knowledge of basic cooking techniques, food preparation methods, and kitchen operations.
- Ability to work long hours, including weekends, public holidays, and shifts.
- Strong hygiene awareness and understanding of food safety standards.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and the ability to take instruction from senior chefs.
- Previous kitchen or hospitality experience is beneficial but not compulsory for entry-level applicants.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities for the Commis Chef role typically include:
- Supporting senior chefs with daily food preparation and production.
- Preparing ingredients, cutting vegetables, seasoning dishes, and assisting with plating.
- Maintaining cleanliness within the kitchen and ensuring food safety compliance.
- Monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages.
- Ensuring high-quality presentation and consistency across all menu items.
- Working collaboratively with the kitchen team to meet guest expectations.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This role is an excellent opportunity for young chefs who want to build a career in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s structured training, hands-on exposure, global brand reputation, and clear career pathways make it an ideal starting point for long-term professional growth.
Direct Email for Application:
protea.fireandiceMEN@marriott.com