Sushi Department Leader/Assistant Department Leader

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Description

Tokyo Central is excited to announce the grand opening of our brand-new location in Emeryville, CA! We’re bringing authentic Japanese flavors, premium groceries, and exceptional service to the East Bay – and we’re looking for passionate team members to join our growing family.

We are seeking a skilled, passionate, and detail-oriented individual to join our growing team as a Sushi Department Leader. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing, assembling, and presenting high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine items in a clean, fast-paced, and customer-focused retail environment. You will play a vital role in maintaining product freshness, food safety, and merchandising standards, while ensuring customer satisfaction through exceptional service and culinary expertise.

Whether you’re a seasoned sushi chef or an enthusiastic learner with a passion for Japanese cuisine, we invite you to become part of a collaborative team committed to quality, creativity, and excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Food Preparation & Culinary Execution

• Prepare a wide range of sushi, including nigiri, sashimi, maki rolls, poke bowls, and specialty items according to established recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Ensure all sushi products are prepared fresh daily and meet or exceed food safety and quality standards.
• Operate sushi rice cookers, sushi knives, and other kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain knowledge of sushi ingredients, cutting techniques, and food pairing best practices.
• Monitor freshness and rotate ingredients using FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory practices.

2. Customer Service & Engagement

• Interact with customers in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner.
• Provide recommendations on menu items, answer questions about ingredients or dietary concerns, and fulfill special requests when possible.
• Offer samples and promote new or seasonal items to enhance the customer experience and drive sales.

3. Sanitation & Food Safety

• Maintain a clean and organized work area at all times, including sushi prep areas, refrigerators, cutting boards, and display cases.
• Adhere strictly to food safety protocols and hygiene standards in compliance with local health department regulations.
• Ensure all products are properly labeled with ingredients, allergens, expiration dates, and pricing.

4. Inventory & Merchandising

• Assist in ordering, receiving, and stocking sushi ingredients and supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels to minimize waste and ensure product availability.
• Set up and maintain attractive and well-stocked sushi displays that align with department and company merchandising standards.
• Accurately label, package, and date products for retail display.

5. Team Collaboration

• Work closely with other kitchen team members, department leads, and store staff to ensure smooth operations and consistent quality.
• Attend department meetings and participate in training sessions to improve skills and product knowledge.
• Assist with cross-functional duties as needed, including special events, catering, or seasonal promotions.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50lbs for extended periods.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to food safety and hygiene standards.

Preferred:

• 1+ year experience in sushi preparation, Japanese cuisine, or food service.
• Culinary training or certification in food handling (SERV Safe or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Japanese ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and knife skills.
• Bilingual skills (e.g., English/Japanese, English/Spanish) a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive hourly wage or salary (commensurate with experience).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (for eligible employees).
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Employee discounts on store products.
• Opportunities for career advancement and culinary training.
• A dynamic, respectful, and supportive team environment.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced, high-traffic retail setting with a focus on fresh food service.
• Exposure to refrigerated and wet environments, knives, and food allergens.
• Requires manual dexterity, precision, and attention to detail in all tasks.

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

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Work Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Availability:
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be dependable and punctual for all scheduled shifts.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours per shift.
  • Able to lift, push, and carry up to 40 pounds regularly.
  • Comfortable working in cold, wet, and fast-paced food prep environments.
  • Manual dexterity and precision handling knives and cutting tools.
• Food Handling & Safety:
  • Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Willingness to follow strict hygiene standards (gloves, hairnets, handwashing, etc.).
  • Ability to properly clean and sanitize workstations and equipment.
• Technical Skills:
  • Comfortable using digital scales, label machines, rice cookers, and knives.
  • Ability to read and follow written recipes and production schedules accurately.
  • Capable of learning inventory rotation systems (FIFO) and tracking product freshness.
• Customer Service & Teamwork:
  • Positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
  • Willingness to take direction and work as part of a team.
  • Strong attention to detail and pride in producing quality, visually appealing food items.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):

• Experience:
  • 6 months to 1 year of experience in sushi preparation, food service, deli, or fresh food retail environment.
  • Previous experience working in a grocery store, supermarket, or similar setting.
• Culinary Skills:
  • Familiarity with sushi techniques, Japanese cuisine, and raw seafood handling.
  • Basic knife skills and understanding of cutting, rolling, and food portioning methods.
• Certifications:
  • Valid Food Handler’s Permit or ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
  • Knowledge of local and state health department food regulations.
• Language Skills:
  • Bilingual ability (e.g., English/Spanish, English/Japanese, or other languages) is a strong plus in customer-facing roles.
• Technology Skills:
  • Familiarity with POS systems, inventory tracking software, or store-level communication tools is a plus.

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.