Sushi Chef

Hy-Vee, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee, Inc. is seeking a Sushi Chef in Des Moines to lead the sushi program, prepare fresh sushi for packaged and made-to-order service, and mentor the Sushi Clerk. You will ensure quality, freshness, and presentation while delivering exceptional customer experiences in a fast-paced store environment.

Ideal candidates bring a high school diploma, Hy-Vee food safety training, and 1–3 years of related experience. The role emphasizes teamwork, sanitation, and adherence to company policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required.
• One to three years of similar or related experience preferred.
• Prior meal preparation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh sushi for customers, packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality and freshness.
• Greet customers and deliver outstanding service, learning their names and going the extra mile.
• Take orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate about food and preparation.
• Oversee sushi program scheduling and assist with merchandising and planning.
• Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment.
• Maintain sanitation and keep the work area clean and organized.

Skills

Sushi preparation

Customer service

Math skills

Team guidance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Food safety training

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description:

Job Title: Sushi Chef

Department: Hy-Chi

FLSA: Hourly

Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy-Vee

At Hy-Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We’re seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers’ lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It’s Important

As a Sushi Chef at Hy-Vee, you’ll bring fresh, expertly crafted sushi to our customers every day; both packaged and made-to-order. You’ll lead the sushi program, help train and guide the Sushi Clerk, and make sure every product that reaches our customers meets the highest standards for quality, freshness, and presentation.

If you have a passion for sushi, love sharing your craft with customers, and thrive in a fast-paced food environment, this could be a great fit for you.

What You’ll Do

No two shifts are exactly the same, but here’s what you can expect:

• Prepare fresh sushi for customers both packaged and made-to-order, ensuring quality, accuracy, and freshness at all times
• Deliver outstanding customer service by greeting customers warmly, learning their names, and going the extra mile to make every visit a positive one
• Take customer orders at the counter and over the phone; communicate with customers in person, by phone, and by email regarding food and food preparation
• Oversee food ordering and planning, and assist with scheduling for the sushi program
• Assist with merchandising techniques and food layout for sushi products
• Train and support the Sushi Clerk to ensure consistent quality and a positive work environment
• Follow and maintain proper sanitation procedures and keep the work area clean and organized at all times
• Label, date, and put product away accurately; check in and receive orders
• Plan and perform fresh sushi demonstrations
• Stay current on meal trends and menu planning
• Attend companywide and industry meetings as assigned
• Maintain compliance with Hy-Vee’s dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
• Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed
• You’ll receive direction and support from: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers

Your Skills

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to be able to:

• Prepare sushi with skill, consistency, and attention to detail
• Deliver outstanding customer service and communicate clearly with customers about food and preparation
• Use logical thinking to solve problems with multiple variables
• Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Guide and support teammates with clear direction and follow-through
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required; one to three years of similar or related experience preferred; prior meal preparation experience preferred

Reporting Relationships

Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Store Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, Food Service Director, Asian Department Manager, Assistant Asian Department Manager, and Service Managers

Direct Reports: Sushi Clerk

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Hy-Vee food safety training and Food Safety Certification required
• One to three years of similar or related experience preferred
• Prior experience in meal preparation preferred

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk throughout a shift in sales, food service, or delivery areas
• Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades for food preparation
• Where applicable to the role: exposure to heat- and burn-related hazards associated with cooking, baking, or grilling equipment
• Where applicable to the role: ability to operate a delivery vehicle in accordance with applicable DOT standards
• Perform repetitive standing, walking, reaching, and bending associated with order fulfillment, POS transactions, and cleaning/sanitation duties

This is a fast-paced role with significant activity throughout your shift. You may encounter continuous exposure to raw fish, flour, dust, noise, and temperature extremes, with occasional exposure to cleaning chemicals or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Are you ready to smile, apply today.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.