Manager-In-Training

Workstream; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Sarku Japan is seeking candidates for its Manager-in-Training program to develop future restaurant leaders. This hands-on role covers operations, guest service, and team development at Sarku Japan locations in the United States.

MITs will partner with leadership to build skills and prepare for progressive management opportunities. The program emphasizes leadership growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, with non-exempt/hourly classification and overtime eligibility where

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant leadership experience preferred.
• Strong leadership potential and desire for career growth.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and lead in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform all restaurant operational functions.
• Lead shifts and support daily restaurant operations.
• Deliver exceptional guest service and uphold company standards.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and team development.
• Support labor scheduling, inventory management, and operational reporting.
• Learn financial and operational performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.
• Coach and develop team members through positive leadership.
• Support restaurant profitability and operational excellence.
• Partner with leadership on continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Restaurant leadership

Leadership potential

Communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Flexibility nights/weekends/holidays

Stamina (standing)

Job description

The ManagerinTraining (MIT) program is designed to develop future restaurant leaders withinSarkuJapan. This role provides hands‑on experience in all aspects of restaurant operations, leadership, guest service, and team development. MITs will partner with operational leaders to build the skills needed to successfully lead aSarkuJapan location.

This position is classified asnon‑exempt/hourlyand is eligible for overtimein accordance withapplicable federal, state, and local laws.

Essential Responsibilities

• Learn and perform all restaurant operational functions
• Lead shifts and support daily restaurant operations
• Deliver exceptional guest service and uphold company standards
• Assistwith hiring, onboarding, and team development
• Support labor scheduling, inventory management, and operational reporting
• Learn financial and operational performance metrics
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and operational procedures
• Coach and develop team members through positive leadership
• Support restaurant profitability and operational excellence
• Partner with leadership on continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Previousrestaurant leadership experience preferred
• Strong leadership potential and desire for career growth
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and lead in a fast‑paced environment
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to stand for extended periods andlift upto 40 pounds

Career Growth Opportunity

The MIT program is designed to prepare high‑potential leaders for future restaurant management opportunities withinSarkuJapan. Candidates who successfully complete the program may advance into restaurant management roles based on performance and business needs.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Sarku Japan strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Founded in 1987, Sarku Japan began with four entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to introduce Japanese teppanyaki cooking to the United States. Starting with a single location in the Liberty Tree Mall in Boston, Massachusetts, they built the company through hard work, shared responsibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
From the beginning, the vision was simple: serve fresh, made‑to‑order meals cooked directly in front of customers while delivering an experience that stood apart from traditional food court dining. Through energy, showmanship, and quality, Sarku Japan quickly built a loyal customer following.
The early years required determination, long hours, and an unwavering belief in the brand. As the company grew throughout the Northeast, Florida, Texas, and eventually across the country, the founders stayed committed to the philosophy of Kaizen — continuous improvement. That mindset continues to shape how we operate today, from refining recipes and operations to investing in our people and guest experience.
Today, Sarku Japan has grown into a nationally recognized brand with locations across the United States, including shopping centers, street‑front restaurants, and military bases. While we have grown significantly since 1987, our commitment to quality, teamwork, innovation, and growth remains at the center of everything we do.