Sushi/Kitchen Team Lead

About the role

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese style convenience store, is seeking a friendly, reliable, and motivated JAPANMART Sushi/Kitchen Team Lead to support daily operations for our JAPANMART cooked foods and sushi section. Team members will assist with food preparation, customer service, and maintaining a clean and efficient workspace. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, delivering great service, and being part of a supportive team. Work Location: 1107 S Baldwin Ave Ste. B, Arcadia, CA 91007.

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 as 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

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years of supervisory experience in food and beverage operations and/or retail store environments
• Sushi preparation experience required
• Basic understanding in 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