Sherman Oaks - Assistant General Manager

Position Summary:

The Assistant General Manager (AGM) helps the General Manager run every part of Yama’s daily operations: the sushi counter, grocery sales floor, inventory, staffing and guest experience. The AGM leads the store when the General Manager is away. This hands-on role needs someone with real sushi skills who can also lead a team, hit financial targets and maintain Yama’s standards for quality, freshness and Japanese food culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Store Leadership & Operations

• Assist the General Manager in overseeing all daily store operations
• Open and close the store, including cash handling, safe counts, deposits and security procedures
• Build and manage employee schedules that align with sales trends and labor budgets
• Ensure the store complies with all company policies, SOPs and brand standards
• Train, coach and mentor staff, including sushi chefs, sushi helpers, cashiers and stock associates
• Spot high performers and develop them for future leadership roles
• Help drive sales and control costs, including food cost, labor, waste and shrink
• Manage inventory for sushi ingredients, grocery items, and supplies

Sushi Production, Food Quality & Safety

• Demonstrate expert knife skills, cutting and portioning techniques, and teach them to others
• Ensure seafood quality, freshness, proper storage and handling at all times
• Collaborate with the sushi team on new menu items, specials and seasonal offerings
• Hold the team to consistent quality, speed and presentation on every sushi item
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, health code and sanitation rules
• Keep temperature logs, cleaning schedules and HACCP records
• Lead the store through health inspections and internal audits
• Maintain a safe workplace and report incidents promptly

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in sushi preparation methods
• Deep understanding of seafood types, shelf life and flavor pairings
• Strong knife handling and presentation skills
• Knowledge of Japanese grocery products, ingredients and terminology
• Strong leadership, coaching and conflict resolution skills
• Understanding of retail operations, merchandising and inventory control
• Business sense, including the ability to read sales reports and manage food cost and labor
• Excellent time management, organization and multitasking skills
• Clear verbal and written communication; Japanese language skills a plus
• Comfortable with POS systems, scheduling software and basic computer tools (email, Excel/Google Sheets)
• Able to stay calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
• Repetitive motions including cutting, chopping, reaching, bending and stocking shelves
• Exposure to cold food storage, freezers and hot equipment

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of sushi and sashimi experience (required)
• 2+ years of supervisory or management experience in a restaurant, grocery or food retail setting (required)
• Certified Food Protection Manager certification, such as ServSafe Manager (required, or obtained within 30 days of hire)
• Experience with inventory management, ordering and scheduling preferred
• Knowledge of Japanese ingredients and terminology
• Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays

Work schedule

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Referral program
• Employee discount
• Paid training