Sushi Chef | White Willow

Columbus Hospitality•Ocala, FL

45d

About The Position

Opening in Fall 2025, the 180,000-square-foot Event Center at WEC will feature cutting-edge technology and stunning finishes across four stories. It will offer over 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and four distinctive dining concepts, including an Asian Concept restaurant. The World Equestrian Center is seeking a skilled and creative Sushi Chef to join our team for an exciting Asian Concept restaurant. This department head position within the Food & Beverage Division will be responsible for leading all sushi-related culinary operations. You will be in charge of making key operational decisions, ensuring high standards in sushi quality, consistency, and presentation. We are looking for a talented and experienced Sushi Chef to manage the preparation and presentation of sushi and related dishes. In collaboration with the Executive Chef, you will help develop seasonal menu items, manage food costs, and maintain a focus on hygiene and safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering exceptional sushi dining experiences and possess expert knowledge of sushi preparation. Strong leadership skills and the ability to guide and inspire a team of culinary professionals are essential for this role. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Associates will be expected to perform other job-related duties as assigned by their supervisor. This position does not create an employment contract and is considered "at-will."

Requirements

Strong communication skills are essential for team coordination and guest interaction.
Minimum of 5 years in sushi preparation and leadership, with expertise in Japanese cuisine and sushi techniques.
In-depth knowledge of sushi preparation, knife skills, fish selection, and presentation.
Exceptional attention to detail with an emphasis on organization and maintaining consistency.
Passion for evolving sushi offerings and exploring new culinary trends.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and train a sushi team effectively.
Familiarity with labor laws related to safety, wages, and working conditions.
ServSafe and Alcohol Compliance Certification required.
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and perform physical tasks like kneeling, crouching, and climbing.
Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
Must have good vision for precise sushi preparation and the ability to hear clearly in a busy kitchen.
Ability to stand for up to 8 hours a day when needed.

Responsibilities

Maintain exceptional attention to detail, speed, and accuracy in sushi preparation. Organize, follow up, and ensure guest service needs are met, while remaining calm under pressure and efficiently resolving problems.
Hire, train, evaluate, motivate, and coach the sushi team, ensuring they meet cultural and core standards. Oversee daily sushi operations and ensure high-quality output.
Develop and execute seasonal sushi and menu items that showcase quality ingredients and creative presentation.
Control labor costs and operating expenses related to sushi preparation, including effective scheduling, budgeting, and inventory management.
Ensure strict compliance with sanitation standards, following World Equestrian Center, local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain a clean and organized sushi station.
Implement and maintain quality control systems for sushi preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency and compliance with specifications.
Foster effective communication within the sushi team and with management to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
Listen to guest feedback regarding sushi quality and service, and take corrective actions as needed to enhance the dining experience.
Plan and execute sushi-related events, such as private dining experiences or sushi bars, that drive revenue and create memorable moments for guests.
Oversee sushi-specific inventory and ordering, ensuring adequate stock levels while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
Ensure high-profile guests receive exceptional sushi dining experiences that exceed expectations.