Sushi/Kitchen Team Lead

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese style convenience store, is seeking a friendly, reliable, and motivated Sushi/Kitchen Team Lead to support daily operations for our cooked foods and sushi section. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, delivering great service, and being part of a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with sushi preparation and food assembly under JAPANMART quality standards
• Follow instructions and guidance provided by the Executive Chef
• Assist with analyzing and working on Profit & Loss (P&L) reports
• Prepare ingredients, including accurately portioning and cutting raw fish, according to JAPANMART recipes and quality standards, ensuring proper portion control and presentation
• Prepare all cooked food items, including onigiri, soufflé pancakes, unagi bowls, and other JAPANMART menu offerings, while ensuring consistency, quality, and timely service
• Monitor cooking times, food quality, and adherence to brand standards
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, food temperature, storage, cross-contamination prevention, and health department requirements
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and properly
• Assist with packaging, labeling, restocking, product freshness checks, and inventory restocking
• Monitor kitchen supplies and report inventory shortages
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of workstations, prep areas, equipment, and storage spaces
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures
• Maintain speed, efficiency, and accuracy during peak business hours
• Work collaboratively with JAPANMART team members to ensure smooth operations and order flow
• Communicate effectively during busy periods
• Support team members to maintain efficient operations
• Communicate effectively and provide friendly, professional customer service
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support daily operations

Requirements

• Minimum of 2+ years of supervisory experience in food and beverage operations and/or retail store environments
• Sushi preparation experience required
• Basic understanding of a variety of technology systems including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and ability to learn and adapt to new systems quickly
• Basic understanding of reading and analyzing P&L reports
• Trained to operate cash registers accurately and efficiently
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Friendly, positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Ability to stand for periods of time and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and food quality
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team setting
• Bilingual (English/Japanese) is preferred but not required
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Food Handler Certification

While performing duties, counter areas are often hot with steam from steam tables and food vapors. Workspace is restricted and employees are generally expected to remain standing for long periods of time. Employees must prepare hot and cold foods, safely use knives and other kitchen equipment, and work quickly while maintaining accuracy and quality standards. 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. 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.

Pay

$23.08 per hour

Benefits

• 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.

Schedule

Full-Time (36-40 hours per week depending on business needs). Must be flexible with scheduling, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.