Sushi chef job description

Reporting to the Executive Leader of Culinary Development (Sr. Director) this new position will lead Sushi product development for prepared foods, from ideation stage through launch companywide, working collaboratively with our five Sushi-friends (partners) to ensure consistency throughout more than 535 Whole Foods Market stores. This role will work with the Senior Team Leader(s) of Culinary Development to execute category strategies and enterprise development to ensure the highest quality food with an eye toward cost, production efficiencies, and food safety standards. A keen knowledge and extensive training in global Sushi cuisine is a must, with particular emphasis on fresh, craveable, best-in-class, clean label Sushi trends.

This position requires the ability to establish and maintain exceptional business relationships with various Regional and Global Stakeholders including Category, Procurement, Marketing, and Exclusive Brand (private label) Teams. You are highly articulate, with strong active listening, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to present and discuss complex information with Senior and Regional Leadership.
This role location is at the company headquarters in Austin, TX.
Responsibilities:
Lead and be the voice of Sushi inspired innovation with cross functional partners responsible for product development within the specs assigned by supporting teams Create Sushi that nourishes our customers that is both health-centric and crave-able Provide technical leadership in recipe formulation, benchtop development, and support of third- party suppliers during commercialization process Develop and design new and improved Sushi products in accordance with Whole Food Market's ingredient standards and within the scope of our core values Develop and implement technologies and support both new product and ingredient development Drive development, supporting research, and structure of Sushi culinary programs and ensure alignment with WFM ethos Develop robust pipeline and catalog for future growth within core concept and immediate adjacencies within plant-based, better-for-you, special diet options for SushiLead in the testing and development of recipes with a hyper-focus on nutrient dense profiles Identify areas of opportunity in raw materials and/or product design for cost optimization Perform and lead a variety of activities associated with Sushi program development, including basic research of emerging ideas and trends, recipe testing, development, recipe creation and submission with required documentation Develop all supporting documents and tools to ensure successful and replicable launch of program across all stores through our third-party partners Be the ambassador of food quality, culinary artistry and igniting the passion for vegan Sushi in our team members and customers Work collaboratively with all four Sushi-friends companywide to ensure consistency and extremely high-quality standards in more than 535 store locations

Qualifications:
Proven experience working with traditional and modern Sushi culinary techniques Associate degree in Culinary, and 4-6 years' relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience Minimum 6+ years working-in/leading a Sushi retail program, with 4+ years' experience in culinary R&D or product development Strong understanding of consumer insights and customer expectations and needs around retail Sushi programsA proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline Able to deliver results in a fast-paced, lean, deadline-driven environment and balance multiple changing priorities Advanced understanding of Sushi culinary trends and established network of key 3rd-party and industry stakeholders Advanced ability to contribute to culinary ideas and adapt quickly to changes and feedback Advanced understanding of culinary budgets and recipe costing Advanced ability to develop and write recipes Initiative-taker and proactive problem solver with strong work ethic Expert level knowledge with various Sushi preparation techniques and cooking equipment Strong sense of urgency, with the ability to pivot and reprioritize Knowledge of allergens, labeling, recipe accuracy, weights and measures, supplies and packaging Strong understanding of alternate diet cooking (ex. Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Gluten Free) A passion for the Whole Foods Market mission, higher purpose, values, and leadership principles Minimum leadership level of Team Leader required Develop and execute strategic plans for Sushi program excellence - including new and existing program development, team training and mentors.Project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple activities simultaneously Willingness to travel internationally and domestically up to 25%This role location is at the company headquarters in Austin, TX

Preferred Qualifications:
Working knowledge of recipe management and food service software Strong facilitation and presentation skills Proven track record/experience in building high-performing Sushi teams3 + years of experience working in a cross-functional large retail organization environment

Other requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time Ability to bend, stoop, grasp objects, and climb ladders Ability to bend and twist neck and waist, reach above and below shoulders, and squat Ability to bend and lift loads, not exceeding fifty pounds; ability to push and pull carts not exceeding one hundred pounds Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals Exposure to continuous background and occasional loud noises Ability to work mornings, nights, weekends, holidays, and long/unusual hours as needed Environmental exposure to extreme temperatures (coolers, ovens, freezers, outdoors, etc.) Computer proficiency in Microsoft suite of products

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

• 10% - walk and 90% - stand during entire shift.
• Remain stationary for long periods of time.
• 100% - Continuously reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, stooping and wiping.
• Frequently gripping of knives or pans.
• Continuously handling raw fish
• Frequently lifts/carries up to 15 lbs.
• Occasionally lifts/carries up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent washing of hands.
• Hazards may include, but are not limited to, slipping and tripping.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 1 year of high volume sushi restaurant experience
• Able to read and understand the English language.
• “ServSafe” Certified is a plus
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal relations and communicative skills.
• Auditory and visual skills
• Knowledge of the Company’s food & beverage specifications.
• Organizational skills.
• Multi-task oriented.
• Maintain skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate the following equipment and machines used in the performance of this job:

o Kitchen equipment

o Rice cookers

o Stoves and Ovens

o Dishwasher

o Slicers

o Steamer

o Mixers

o Chef's knives, etc.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is an hourly paid position. Days and hours of work vary according to job and staffing requirements due to seasonal traffic of clientele. Business operates seven days a week. Due to the cyclical nature of the restaurant industry, employees work schedules vary according to clientele, company requirements. Food service ends

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional commercial kitchen. Role will be surrounded by hot objects, sharp edges or otherwise dangerous equipment that will require constant attention to surroundings; and continuous verbal communication with other staff members. This environment may be slippery or wet at times and employees are prone to slips and falls.

Travel:

There is little to no travel required for this position

Join us for a 6 month placement at our restaurant in the Cape!

Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year experience making sushi in an independent environment, be able to multi-task, work in a fast-paced manner, and provide great service.

Responsibilities and Duties:

HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS:

Housing is covered !

ELIGIBILITY: