Sushi Technical Specialist

Reporting to the R&D Manager, the Sushi Technical Specialist is primarily responsible for hands on planning for the Kitchen Sushi section's product mix setting, perform research & development (R&D) of sushi products, provide technical support, and deliver quality assurance requirements., Product Research and Development

• Provide constructive recommendations on the directions of cooking techniques, preparations, ingredients and any other topics related to the Sushi sections
• Conduct product research and new products development for the Sushi sections, continue to develop new or to improve current product varieties
• Develop new production processes and production plans to increase product quality, food margin, production capacity and efficiency
• Responsible for product formulation and equipment improvement or enhancement to enhance quality and lower costs
• Work collaboratively with Central Kitchen and Stores in ensuring new techniques, equipment, projects, products, and processes, etc. launched are implemented successfully, consistently, and timely
• Responsible for transferring new product techniques to stores via new product presentations, review new products performance and identify issues, if any, and provide solutions
• Provide ongoing coaching and training to employees, ensure employees' skills, ability and knowledge are meeting operational and customers' changing demands
• Comply with all relevant regulations such as Food Safe, Work Safe, WSIB

Quality Assurance

• Visit store regularly to examine the quality of products and product display, and to pass on the suggested improvement proposal to related operational staff members for follow up
• Establish and enforce production food safety guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures
• Monitor, enforce and ensure that production processes are fully complied to the statutory food safety and quality assurance requirements, HACCP, corporate policies, etc.
• Assist in the investigation of the underlying cause of defective products, if any; propose plausible solutions to eliminate the problem within the given timeline
• Follow up with corrective actions and to ensure that such actions properly resolve the concern
• Perform any other duties, projects and assignments as assigned by the superior(s)

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the food service industry; experience managing a high-volume chain supermarket kitchen or restaurant operation is highly preferred.
• Previous experience working in a supermarket or grocery retail environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Food Safety, Food Safety Management Systems, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and related food handling standards.
• Hands-on expertise in preparing a variety of sushi products, including sushi, rolls, sashimi, bento, and other prepared food items, with the ability to conduct on-site demonstrations and production training.
• Strong understanding of food ingredients, kitchen equipment, production methods, and food preparation techniques.
• Ability to identify market trends, develop innovative products, and translate ideas into business opportunities.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills, with the ability to lead by example and develop team members.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly and logically, both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships and provide constructive recommendations.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced food production environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese) is preferred. Additional language skills in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Tagalog are an asset.

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance, * Must be flexible to stand, bend, lift (as heavy as 50lbs), and moves intermittently and regularly during 8+ hours shift
• Some travelling to stores &/or suppliers is required

Pay: $70,304.00 - $85,000.00 per year, * 401(k)

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance