Chief Sushi Chef

Description

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese style convenience store, is seeking an experienced and disciplined JAPANMART Chief Sushi Chef to lead our sushi section and kitchen section of JAPANMART. This role is responsible for overseeing all operations for both sushi section and kitchen section, maintaining authentic Japanese quality standards, and ensuring consistent excellence in product quality, food safety, and customer experience. The JAPANMART Chief Sushi Chef will play a key leadership role in daily operations while working closely with store management and Japan-based partners to uphold brand integrity.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position: Chief Sushi Chef

Industry: Food & Beverage

Work Location: The official work location for this position will be at 1107 S Baldwin Ave Ste. B, Arcadia, CA 91007, which is currently under construction. Until construction is completed, this role will be temporarily based at 25 E Foothill Blvd, Arcadia, CA 91006.

Shift & Schedule: Weekdays, Weekends, Holidays

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee all JAPANMART 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.
• 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.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise JAPANMART sushi section and kitchen section staff members. Develop staff skills, maintain discipline, and foster a professional kitchen culture. Train and guide team members in food preparation procedures.
• Lead and manage 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.
• Design and execute 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.
• Conduct thorough evaluation and selection of food vendors by comparing quality, pricing, and reliability to ensure alignment with cost objectives and operational needs.
• 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.
• Manage and maintain daily sales, food costs, and labor costs and efficiency. Report performance to upper management and suggest improvements.
• Work closely with the Store Manager, JAPANMART HQ, 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
• Expert-level knowledge of traditional Japanese sushi techniques and knife skills
• Basic understanding of 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

• $72,000 - $78,000 depending on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

Benefits Include

• Employee discount at JAPANMART
• 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.

Submission Requirements

• Your resume
• A brief cover letter or introduction

For other employment opportunities, visit JAPANMART Career Opportunities.

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.