SSD Department Leader – Handroll Factory

Location Type: On-site

 

Description

We’re immediately looking to hire a Delica Department Lead for our new Handroll Sushi Bar!

Marukai Markets dba TOKYO CENTRAL is one of the fastest-growing chain of retail stores and supermarkets offering the widest selection of Japanese and Hawaiian imported grocery and retail products in the nation. Customers are provided with a variety of products that you won’t find in a typical grocery store environment. Fresh, seasonal, and variety of foods are our passion!

The role of Department Leader is to support the Department Leader of all aspects which apply to the department’s operations, including maximizing sales and profits, optimizing staffing, working with HQMD, merchandise management, cleanliness of the work area and shop floor, and inventory efficiency. – – The Department Leader ensures the entire store is providing customers with a pleasant experience and ensure the best possible service is being provided in a safe and secure location. This correlates to our corporate principle of “The Customer Matters Most”.

The Department Leader supports Department Leader to achieve the budget, lead the team regarding internal policies, departmental revenues, expenses, customer satisfaction, inventory, and employee morale.
Key Responsibilities:

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and presentation guidelines to ensure product consistency and authenticity.
• Cook and hold food items at appropriate temperatures, ensuring freshness and safety throughout the day.
• Assist in daily production planning based on customer demand and store traffic.

Sanitation & Food Safety

• Follow all local health department guidelines and company food safety policies.
• Maintain clean and sanitary workstations, cooking equipment
• Conduct and document temperature checks, food rotation (FIFO), and cleaning logs.
• Properly store leftover food and dispose of expired or unsellable items according to company policy.

Maintenance & Merchandising

• Monitor food levels and prepare refills as needed to minimize gaps during peak hours.
• Accurately label dishes with ingredients, allergens, and pricing.
• Clean and reset the area regularly, including counters, sneeze guards, and serving utensils.

Customer Service

• Greet and assist customers with questions about ingredients, and meal suggestions.
• Provide courteous, prompt, and knowledgeable service at all times.
• Handle customer complaints or special dietary requests with professionalism and care.
• Promote seasonal dishes or daily specials to increase sales and customer engagement.

Inventory & Supplies

• Monitor inventory levels of ingredients and supplies; notify supervisor when items are low.
• Receive, unpack, and store deliveries following food safety standards.
• Minimize waste by preparing accurate quantities and properly rotating ingredients.
• Participate in monthly inventory counts and loss prevention efforts.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Basic cooking skills and understanding of food safety.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Customer service experience in food or retail settings.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (basic Japanese is a plus).

Preferred:

• Previous experience in a food service management experience preferred
• Knowledge of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, and traditional cooking methods.
• ServSafe or Food Handler’s certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to multitask and stay organized during busy periods.
• Bilingual in Japanese, English and Spanish is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for advancement
• Staff discounts on store merchandise
• Paid training and ongoing learning about Japanese food and culture
• Flexible scheduling
• A respectful, team-oriented work environment
• Health benefits for full-time employees

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced, customer-facing grocery store environment
• Exposure to heat, cooking equipment, and refrigerated areas
• Requires frequent lifting, standing, and bending
• Use of knives, hot food warmers, rice cookers, fryers, and grills

Cross-Training & Departmental Flexibility
To support operational excellence and employee development, this role includes cross-training and collaboration across departments. Team members may be assigned tasks outside their primary area

Requirements

• Food service experience required
• Interest in Japanese cuisine required
• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older.
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Work Schedule:
  • Must be available to work flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Able to work extended hours as needed during peak seasons or special events.
  • Strong reliability and consistent punctuality are essential.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Able to stand and walk for 8+ hours per shift.
  • Able to lift, push, and carry up to 50 lbs regularly.
  • Comfortable working in hot food prep areas and refrigerated environments.
  • Manual dexterity for handling kitchen tools, slicing, and cooking safely.

Leadership & Operational Requirements:

• Team Leadership:
  • 1-2 years of supervisory or team lead experience in food service, grocery, or a similar fast-paced retail environment.
  • Ability to train, schedule, and support Delica department staff in day-to-day operations.
  • Lead by example through a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and attention to detail.
  • Responsible for delegating prep and cleaning tasks to ensure productivity and cleanliness.
• Production Oversight:
  • Ability to plan and oversee the preparation of high-quality Japanese hot foods, including donburi, tempura, karaage, yakisoba, miso soup, and more.
  • Ensure all items are prepared according to store recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.
  • Manage daily production volumes based on sales trends and customer traffic.
  • Oversee food rotation (FIFO), proper storage, labeling, and inventory control.
• Food Safety & Sanitation:
  • Strong knowledge of food handling regulations, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention.
  • Conduct and log temperature checks and cleaning procedures.
  • Ensure all staff maintain proper hygiene and follow food safety protocols.
• Customer Service:
  • Provide excellent customer service by greeting shoppers, answering product-related questions, and handling complaints or requests professionally.
  • Train staff on proper customer interaction and cultural etiquette where appropriate.
• Communication & Reporting:
  • Communicate effectively with store managers and other department leads.
  • Participate in department meetings, contribute to planning and improvement discussions.
  • Maintain clear communication with team members on shift expectations and food preparation plans.

Technical & Cultural Requirements:

• Japanese Cuisine Knowledge:
  • Familiarity with Japanese ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation is highly preferred.
  • Understanding of traditional Japanese food quality standards.
  • Ability to taste-test, critique, and adjust dishes for authenticity and consistency.
• Language Skills:
  • English fluency (spoken and written).
  • Japanese/Spanish language skills are a strong plus, especially in bilingual kitchens or stores.

Marukai is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E Verify.

Marukai is very aware of the COVID-19 pandemic and practices the highest and safest levels of precautions to keep associates safe with sanitizing practices, social distancing, personal protective equipment, and safety screening in adherence with the Health Department, CDC, State, Local, and Federal laws.

All Candidates must be able to work evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Basic Requirements

– Be able to demonstrate small team management ability. Team size can be 0~ 10 employees. Management skills are required for the seafood department’s direction, coordination, and evaluation. Management duties include but are not limited to interviewing; training employee’s; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

– High School diploma or general education degree (GED); six months to one-year industrial related experience and /or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

– Ability to read and interpret an English version of documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to use the English language to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, and or employees in English. The ability to speak Japanese or Spanish is not required but can be a huge plus.

– Basic mathematical skills are required, such as ability to calculate figures and amounts, add, subtract, divide, and multiply using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

– Requires the ability to interpret instructions in written, and oral form; including in diagrams, and schedules. The ability to problem solve is required. This position entails resolving conflicts in a manner which creates a win-win situation. Must be able to analyze a variety of situations, consider options and implement a solution.

– While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme heat and/or cold, electrical shock, and/or risk of burns. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

– Other job related tasks which are assigned by the supervisor and/or manager