JAPANMART -Chief Sushi Chef at 8SIAN SIGNS LLC – Arcadia, California

JAPANMART – Chief Sushi Chef (Full-Time)

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese specialty grocery and food market in Los Angeles, is seeking an experienced and disciplined Chief Sushi Chef to lead our Sushi Section at Japan Mart. This role is responsible for overseeing all sushi operations, maintaining authentic Japanese quality standards, leading the sushi team, and ensuring consistent excellence in product quality, food safety, and customer experience.

The 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

• Sushi Operations Management: Oversee all daily sushi preparation and service operations, including cutting, nigiri, rolls, sashimi, and specialty items. Ensure efficiency, speed, and consistency at all times.
• Menu Execution & Quality Control: Maintain the highest standards of sushi quality, freshness, presentation, and flavor according to Japanese culinary standards and brand guidelines.
• Team Leadership & Training: Hire, train, schedule, and supervise sushi chefs and assistants. Develop staff skills, maintain discipline, and foster a professional kitchen culture.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, health department regulations, and food safety procedures at all times.
• Inventory & Ordering: Manage seafood, rice, and ingredient inventory. Monitor usage, reduce waste, and coordinate with vendors for timely ordering and deliveries.
• Customer Experience: Interact with customers when needed, handle special requests, and ensure excellent guest satisfaction.
• Sales, Cost & Performance Management: Monitor daily sales, food costs, and labor efficiency. Report performance to upper management and suggest improvements.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Store Manager, JAPANMART HQ, and Japan-based sushi 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
• 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 environment
• Bilingual (Japanese/English) strongly preferred
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Food Handler Certification

COMPENSATION:

• Salary: $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.

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.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

· Your resume

· A brief cover letter or introduction

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.