Commis Chef in Leeds

Commis Chef in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 25000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the pizza section, crafting high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas and guiding junior chefs.
  • Company: Exciting independent venue along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal, known for craft beers and authentic pizzas.
  • Benefits: Career progression, autonomy in menu creation, regular team nights out, and free festival tickets.
  • Other info: Dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities to influence menu development.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and take ownership of a vibrant pizza section.
  • Qualifications: Experience with fresh dough, fire ovens, and a passion for quality ingredients.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.

Water Lane Boathouse is looking for an experienced Senior Pizzaiolo to lead our pizza section as we head into our busy summer period. Located along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal, we’re known for our top range of craft beers, cocktails, and a food menu that champions authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, alongside burgers and sharing boards. Pizza sits at the heart of our kitchen, and we’re looking for someone who takes real pride in the craft and can help drive our pizza offering forward.

As Senior Pizzaiolo, you’ll take ownership of the pizza section, ensuring consistently high-quality pizzas during service while maintaining excellent kitchen standards. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef and Sous Chef, support junior chefs, and play a key role in prep, service, and the development of new pizza specials. This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about traditional pizza-making who wants to take the next step into a more senior, influential role within a growing kitchen.

Responsibilities include:

  • Leading the pizza section during prep and service
  • Producing consistently high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas
  • Managing dough production, fermentation, and daily prep
  • Working confidently with a fire oven
  • Supporting and guiding junior kitchen team members
  • Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety
  • Contributing ideas for pizza specials and menu development

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Strong experience working with fresh dough (mixing, proving, stretching, and handling)
  • Proven experience using a fire or wood-fired oven
  • A genuine passion for Neapolitan-style pizza and quality ingredients
  • Experience working in a high-volume, fresh-food kitchen
  • Leadership qualities and the ability to support and motivate a team
  • The ability to stay calm and organised during busy services
  • Pride in maintaining a clean and well-run section

Benefits:

  • A growing business with real opportunities for career progression
  • Joining an exciting independent venue with a strong marketing team
  • Autonomy to create specials and influence the pizza menu
  • Regular management nights out
  • Incentives including free festival and gig tickets

If you’re passionate about craft pizza, fire ovens, and working with great ingredients — and want to take ownership of a pizza section within a passionate and growing team — we’d love to hear from you.

Commis Chef in Leeds employer: Water Lane Boathouse

Water Lane Boathouse is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza thrive. Located along the picturesque Leeds–Liverpool Canal, employees enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for career progression, regular team outings, and the autonomy to influence the menu. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values quality ingredients and craftsmanship in a growing independent venue.
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Contact Detail:

Water Lane Boathouse Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commis Chef in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by Water Lane Boathouse and soak up the atmosphere. Familiarise yourself with their pizza offerings and maybe even try a slice. This shows genuine interest and gives you talking points during your chat.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with Neapolitan-style pizzas or fire ovens, be ready to share specific examples. Maybe even bring along a portfolio of your best creations or ideas for new specials. We love seeing passion in action!

✨Tip Number 3

Connect with the team! During your interview, ask about the kitchen culture and how they work together. Highlight your leadership qualities and how you can support junior chefs. It’s all about teamwork in a busy kitchen, so let them know you’re a team player.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Water Lane Boathouse family. Let’s get you that dream role as Senior Pizzaiolo!

We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef in Leeds

Pizza Making
Dough Production
Fermentation Techniques
Fire Oven Operation
Team Leadership
Food Safety Standards
Menu Development
High-Volume Kitchen Experience
Organisation Skills
Calm Under Pressure
Creativity in Special Creation
Passion for Neapolitan-style Pizza
Quality Ingredient Handling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for Neapolitan-style pizza shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your passion for pizza-making and quality ingredients. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the craft.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience with fresh dough and fire ovens in your application. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills and past roles that relate to the Senior Pizzaiolo position.

Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Use your own voice in your application and let your personality come through. Whether it’s your unique approach to pizza-making or how you support your team, we’re keen to see what makes you stand out.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Water Lane Boathouse and what we’re all about.

How to prepare for a job interview at Water Lane Boathouse

✨Know Your Dough

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of dough production and fermentation. Be ready to discuss your experience with mixing, proving, and stretching dough, as this is crucial for the role. Show them your passion for Neapolitan-style pizza by sharing any personal tips or techniques you've mastered.

✨Fire Up Your Oven Skills

Since you'll be working with a fire oven, it's essential to demonstrate your confidence and expertise in using one. Prepare to talk about your previous experiences with fire or wood-fired ovens, and maybe even share a story about a time you nailed a pizza under pressure!

✨Team Spirit is Key

As a Senior Pizzaiolo, you'll need to support and guide junior chefs. Think about examples from your past where you've led a team or helped someone improve their skills. Highlight your leadership qualities and how you can motivate others in a busy kitchen environment.

✨Bring Your Creative Ideas

The role involves contributing ideas for pizza specials and menu development, so come prepared with a few creative concepts. Whether it's a unique topping combination or a new twist on a classic, showing your enthusiasm for innovation will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to driving the pizza offering forward.

Commis Chef in Leeds
Water Lane Boathouse
Location: Leeds

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