Sous Sushi Chef

Description

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese style convenience store, is seeking an experienced and disciplined JAPANMART Sous Sushi Chef to work hand-in-hand and assist the Chief Sushi Chef to oversee our sushi section and kitchen section of JAPANMART, maintain authentic Japanese quality standards, and ensure consistent excellence in product quality, food safety, and customer experience.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Employment Type: Full-Time
Position: Sous Sushi Chef
Industry: Food & Beverage
Work Location: 1107 S Baldwin Ave Ste. B, Arcadia, CA 91007
Shift & Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends, Holidays 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Chief Sushi Chef with all matters related to sushi and kitchen daily preparation and service operations, including but not limited to nigiri, rolls, sashimi, onigiri, bento, donburi, seasonal menu items, grab-and-go offerings, and other Japanese cuisine products. Ensure efficiency, speed, and consistency at all times.
• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned by the Chief Sushi Chef
• Step in as acting lead when the Chief Sushi Chef is unavailable
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, freshness, presentation, and flavor for all JAPANMART food offerings, including but not limited to nigiri, rolls, sashimi, onigiri, bento, donburi, seasonal menu items, grab-and-go offerings, and other Japanese cuisine products, in accordance with traditional Japanese culinary standards and brand guidelines.
• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising JAPANMART sushi section and kitchen section staff members. Assist with developing staff skills, maintain discipline, and foster a professional kitchen culture. Assist with training and guiding team members in beverage and food preparation procedures.
• Assist with managing all culinary aspects of the pre-opening phase, including kitchen setup, operational standards, vendor selection, staff hiring and training, and coordination across departments to ensure a successful launch.
• Assist with designing and executing innovative, concept-driven menus by developing recipes, standards, and presentations, while establishing and managing pricing strategies through cost analysis and market insight to ensure quality, consistency, and profitability.
• Assist with preparing and discussing Profit & Loss (P&L) reports and income projections, providing insights and recommendations to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, health department regulations, and food safety procedures.
• Support the Chief Sushi Chef with conducting thorough evaluation and selection of food vendors by comparing quality, pricing, and reliability to ensure alignment with cost objectives and operational needs.
• Help manage all inventory related to JAPANMART sushi section and kitchen section, including monitoring usage, minimizing waste, and coordinating with vendors for timely ordering and deliveries.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels through effective stock management, including implementation and oversight of the PAR (Periodic Automatic Replenishment) system to ensure consistent product availability and accurate ordering.
• Interact with customers when needed and ensure excellent customer satisfaction.
• Support the Chief Sushi Chef with managing and maintaining daily sales, food costs, and labor costs and efficiency. Report performance to Chief Sushi Chef and suggest improvements.
• Work closely with the Chief Sushi Chef, Store Manager, and food inventory partners to maintain brand authenticity and operational standards.

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of professional sushi chef experience, including 2+ years in a leadership or head chef role
• Experience working at a grocery store sushi section
• Proficient knowledge of traditional Japanese sushi techniques and knife skills
• Familiar with financial concepts, including the ability to read and discuss P&L reports
• Knowledge of inventory control practices, including experience or familiarity with PAR systems
• Strong leadership, training, and communication skills
• Deep understanding of seafood handling, food safety, and sanitation regulations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, food and beverage environment
• Food Handler Certification
• Bilingual (Japanese/English) strongly preferred
• Fluency in spoken and written English

COMPENSATION:

• $66,000 - $72,000 per year depending on experience, qualifications, and other factors. 

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employee discount on meals and store products
• Paid holidays       
• Paid time off* 
• Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance*

*Note: Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

ADA STATEMENT:

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam table and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees are expected to prepare hot and cold foods, safely use knives and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly while maintaining accuracy and quality standards. Employees must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, stand for up to four hours, and reach across counter tops measured at 36 inches to serve customers. Kitchen environments may be hot and noise levels are usually high; storage space is limited and shelving is high. Employees must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment, have effective verbal communication skills, ability to adapt to a dynamic environment with changing priorities, and manage challenging or high-pressure situations with composure.

8sian Signs, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

8sian Signs, LLC maintains a drug-free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.