JAPANMART Kitchen Team Lead

JAPANMART – Kitchen Team Lead (Full-Time)

JAPANMART, an authentic Japanese specialty grocery and food market in Los Angeles, features Japanese fried chicken (TORISHO), a Japanese Soufflé Pancake section, and a rotating pop-up space highlighting Japanese brands and anime merchandise.

We are seeking friendly, responsible, and motivated Kitchen Team Lead to support daily operations for our Japanese fried chicken section (TORISHO) and Japanese Soufflé Pancake section, to assist with training and onboarding, to have exceptional customer service, and to maintain 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.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Employment Type: Full-Time
Position: Kitchen Team Lead
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

• Prepare ingredients and menu items according to brand recipes and standards
• Cook food items such as Japanese fried chicken or soufflé pancakes with consistency and quality
• Maintain speed and efficiency during peak hours
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and properly
• Follow all food safety regulations and sanitation procedures to prevent cross-contamination
• Maintain proper food temperature and storage standards
• Assist with ingredient preparation and restocking
• Monitor kitchen supplies and report shortages
• Assist with opening and closing kitchen procedures
• Work closely with cashier and service staff to ensure smooth order flow
• Communicate effectively during busy periods
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new kitchen employees
• Support the Store Manager in overseeing kitchen operations during assigned shifts
• Help coordinate team workflow during peak service hour
• Monitor product quality, portion control, and presentation during shifts
• Provide guidance and support to part-time staff
• Communicate operational issues, supply shortages, or equipment concerns to management

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

• Experience in food service, café, or restaurant preferred, including 2+ years in a leadership position
• 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
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Bilingual (English/Japanese) is useful but not required
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Food Handler Certification

COMPENSATION:

• $20 per hour 

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.