Sushi Sous Chef

Chotto Matte; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee dining discount (50%)

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Job summary

Chotto Matte San Francisco is seeking a Sushi Sous Chef to lead the Sushi Department day-to-day, ensuring high quality, consistency, and on-time service in a fast-paced, premium setting.

The role partners with the Global Executive Chef and Head Chef to develop the team, manage food cost and safety, and deliver guest-focused sushi experiences at events and live stations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–5 years of professional sushi experience.
• Leadership experience as Sushi Sous Chef or similar role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese fish preparation, sushi techniques, knife skills, and fish breakdown.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the Sushi Department through preparation and service.
• Maintain the highest standards of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, presentation, and product quality.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop Sushi Line Chefs and junior team members.
• Ensure recipes, portions, plating standards, and preparation procedures are followed consistently.
• Manage preparation levels according to reservations, projected covers, events, and business volume.
• Oversee fish quality, breakdown, receiving, storage, rotation, labeling, and proper handling.
• Manage ordering, inventory, food cost, waste, and product usage within the Sushi Department.
• Investigate variances, over-portioning, waste, and opportunities to improve food cost and operational performance.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and cleanliness standards.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, training, performance, and operational needs with Global Executive Chef and Head Chef.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of sushi team members.
• Maintain communication with kitchen, Front of House, Events, and other teams.
• Lead and participate in on-site and off-site events, maintaining quality and timing.

Skills

Sushi preparation

Leadership

Food safety

Inventory management

Guest interaction

Staff training

Job description

Reports To

Global Executive Chef / Head Chef

About Us

Chotto Matte is a globally recognized Japanese-Peruvian restaurant group, combining bold Nikkei cuisine, vibrant design, music, and an energetic dining experience.

Role Overview

The Sushi Sous Chef leads the day-to-day operation of the Sushi Department at Chotto Matte San Francisco.

This is the senior leadership position within the Sushi Department, responsible for food quality, consistency, team development, food safety, cost control, events, and operational execution.

The Sushi Sous Chef works closely with the Global Executive Chef and Head Chef to maintain Chotto Matte standards and develop a strong, high-performing sushi team.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the Sushi Department through preparation and service.
• Maintain the highest standards of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, presentation, and product quality.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop Sushi Line Chefs and junior team members.
• Ensure recipes, portions, plating standards, and preparation procedures are followed consistently.
• Manage preparation levels according to reservations, projected covers, events, and business volume.
• Oversee fish quality, breakdown, receiving, storage, rotation, labeling, and proper handling.
• Manage ordering, inventory, food cost, waste, and product usage within the Sushi Department.
• Investigate variances, over-portioning, waste, and opportunities to improve food cost and operational performance.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and cleanliness standards.
• Coordinate with the Global Executive Chef and Head Chef on staffing, scheduling, training, performance, and operational needs.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of sushi team members.
• Maintain strong communication with the entire kitchen, Front of House, Events, and other teams.
• Coordinate the preparation, organization, packaging, and quality of sushi food being sent to off-site or external events.
• Lead and participate in on-site and off-site events, maintaining food quality, presentation, timing, and Chotto Matte standards.
• Actively participate in guest-facing experiences including live sushi stations, demonstrations, and special events.
• Communicate professionally with guests and clients and confidently explain dishes, ingredients, preparation, and dietary information.
• Coordinate with the Events and management teams regarding timelines, guest counts, dietary requirements, and special requests.
• Support menu development, recipe testing, seasonal changes, special events, and new menu launches.
• Lead by example and maintain a professional, respectful, and accountable work environment.

Required Experience

• Minimum 4–5 years of professional sushi experience.
• Previous leadership experience as Sushi Sous Chef, Senior Sushi Chef, Lead Sushi Chef, or similar role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese fish preparation, sushi techniques, knife skills, and fish breakdown.
• Experience in a high-volume, premium restaurant environment.
• Strong understanding of ordering, inventory, food cost, portion control, and waste management.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and training skills.
• Strong guest-facing communication skills and confidence interacting with clients during events and live stations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events based on business needs.
• 50% employee dining discount across Chotto Matte locations.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contribution.
• Career development and growth opportunities within Chotto Matte.