Head Sushi Chef

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest Zuma location in beautiful Cabo San Lucas in 2025 As we expand our world-renowned brand, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Sushi Chef to lead our dynamic team and deliver exceptional dining experiences to our guests.

• Gain invaluable experience and training in the US before relocating to manage our exciting new location in Cabo.
• Enjoy working in one of the most stunning and vibrant locations in the world.
• Embrace the opportunity to contribute to a thriving and innovative dining culture.

If you are a passionate hospitality professional looking for an exciting new challenge, we want to hear from you Join us in making Zuma Cabo San Lucas the premier dining destination.

Apply now and be part of our journey to bring exceptional Japanese cuisine to Cabo San Lucas

Celebrating 20 years since first opening its doors in London, Zuma is sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. Co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002, Zuma has 15 venues globally and 9 seasonal locations.

Featuring modern Japanese cuisine that is authentic but not traditional. The menu showcases a variety of dishes from its three kitchens: the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill.

JOB SUMMARY:

Head Sushi Chef will lead and oversee the sushi kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of sushi preparation, presentation, and guest satisfaction. You will be responsible for managing the sushi team, developing innovative sushi menus, and maintaining the reputation of Zuma as a premier destination for authentic and contemporary Japanese cuisine.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist the Corporate Chef in planning and executing menu offerings, including recipe development, costing, presentation, and other required tasks
• Lead and supervise the sushi kitchen team, including sushi chefs, sushi cooks, and stewards, to ensure smooth and efficient sushi operations
• Develop and execute creative and innovative sushi menus that reflect Zuma's culinary philosophy and showcase the highest quality and freshest ingredients
• Train, mentor, and motivate sushi kitchen staff, providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure consistency, quality, and excellence in sushi preparation and presentation
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, including proper handling, storage, and preparation of sushi ingredients, to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and staff
• Train team on allergen awareness and management, ensuring all staff are knowledgeable about handling food allergies safely
• Assist in scheduling kitchen staff, managing labor costs, and optimizing staffing levels to meet business demands
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, General Manager, and other department heads to create and execute special events, themed dinners, and promotional menus
• Monitor food costs, inventory levels, and kitchen expenses, and implement cost-control measures to optimize profitability while maintaining quality
• Conduct regular inspections of kitchen equipment, facilities, and storage areas to ensure proper functioning, safety, and cleanliness
• Train, mentor, and develop the kitchen team, including creating and implementing a promotion plan
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment in the sushi kitchen, promoting teamwork, communication, and professional development among kitchen staff
• Handle guest inquiries, special requests, and dietary restrictions with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail
• Maintain open and effective communication with front-of-house staff, management, and other departments to ensure seamless coordination and guest satisfaction
• Stay current with industry trends, culinary techniques, and new ingredients to inspire creativity and innovation in the kitchen
• Ensure that company policies and procedures, safety and other laws, regulations, and requirements are implemented and followed
• Operate ethically to protect the image of the company
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or requested

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• 5+ years Head Sushi Chef experience or Sushi Chef in a high-volume sushi restaurant or hospitality establishment
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training from a recognized culinary institute or school, with a focus on Japanese cuisine and sushi preparation
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate sushi kitchen staff to achieve culinary excellence
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in international cuisine, with a focus on Japanese cuisine and contemporary culinary trends
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff, management, and front-of-house teams
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP principles and local health regulations
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with team members and stakeholders
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; Ability to stand for prolong periods of time and climb steps regularly
• Ability to physically maneuver through work areas; bend, lift, carry, reach/extend arms, and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Bonus program
• Paid Time Off
• Free family meal daily
• Dining discounts at Zuma
• The opportunity to work on a team with global hospitality/culinary experience

Zuma is an equal opportunity employer.