Head Sushi Chef Job at Scratch Restaurants Group, La Jolla, CA

  • Scratch Restaurants Group
  • La Jolla, CA

Job Description

Benefits:

Health insurance

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Dental insurance

Great kitchens need great leaders.

That’s where you come in.

If you’re the kind of chef who leads from the front, obsesses over the details, and takes pride in building teams — you’ll fit in here.

Not because you’re perfect, but because you’re committed to excellence and the people behind it.

THE WHY

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants believes great kitchens come from great leadership. When leaders are supported, their teams thrive — and that impact shows up in every guest’s experience.

We run organized kitchens. We care about standards. We communicate clearly. We show up for our teams, day in and day out.

Our culture is professional, focused, supportive — and fun!

We believe chefs are made through mentorship, guidance, repetition, and refinement. Everyone here is aligned toward the same goal: consistency, craft, leadership, and great hospitality.

The expectation is simple: be prepared, be respectful, and lead with pride.

THE ROLE: CHEF DE CUISINE

The CDC is the culinary heartbeat of the restaurant — responsible for standards, leadership, execution, communication, and the development of the team.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead by example with discipline, technique, professionalism, and organization

Train, mentor, and grow cooks and sous chefs

Maintain a culture of accountability, teamwork, and hospitality

Give clear, constructive feedback that builds both skill and confidence

Reinforce SBS values and daily expectations through action

Culinary Execution & Standards

Manage and execute all SBS recipes, systems, and service standards

Oversee sushi rice production, sauces, fish breakdown, storage, and rotation

Maintain consistency, precision, and flavor integrity

Ensure every bite reflects the SBS standard of intention and craft

Operations & Systems

Oversee prep lists, production timelines, and daily station readiness

Manage order guides, inventory, quality control, and cost awareness

Ensure food safety, sanitation, and DOH compliance

Run service with calm control, clarity, and strong communication

Collaborate with leadership on menu evolution and operational improvements

NON-NEGOTIABLES

6–8 years of professional kitchen experience

3+ years of kitchen management experience (Sous Chef, CDC, or equivalent)

Strong knowledge of Japanese cuisine and/or sushi fundamentals

Proven ability to train, mentor, and lead diverse teams

High personal and professional standards

Clean, organized, efficient operating style

Current ServSafe Manager (or ability to obtain before starting)

Strong attention to detail, consistency, and systems

Calm, solutions-focused presence during prep and service

Comfortable leading a high-paced, detail-intensive omakase environment

THE EXTRAS WE APPRECIATE

Michelin-level or comparable high-end experience

Experience running an omakase or sushi-forward program

Guest-facing comfort or desire to engage guests during service

Strong hospitality instinct and understanding of guest energy

Jedi-level time management, communication, and organization

Natural inclination toward teaching and elevating cooks

Ability to balance high standards with empathy and clarity

Curiosity about technique, ingredients, and continuous improvement

Interest in contributing to creative development as the program evolves

COMPENSATION

$90,000–$110,000 per year, depending on experience and leadership depth.

BENEFITS & PERKS

401(k) + matching

Health, dental, and vision insurance

PTO after 60 days

Employee discounts

Wellness resources

Clear pathways for internal growth and advancement

If you want a kitchen that invests in your leadership, your craft, and your future — we’d love to meet you.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs

Management and Training Corporation

Substance Abuse Counselor Job at Management and Training Corporation

 ...the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life. Position Summary: Reports to the substance abuse supervisor. Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of an effective alcohol and other drug abuse program with emphasis... 

Sheraton Augusta Hotel

Houseman Job at Sheraton Augusta Hotel

 ...dependable person to join our housekeeping team. As a Houseman, youll help keep the hotel clean and make sure our room attendants have...  ...holidays* Friendly attitude and good teamwork* No experience needed - well train you!A typical schedule includes 8... 

AtWork Personnel

Screen Printer 3rd Shift Job at AtWork Personnel

 ...an array of fields, including administrative, light industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse. We work with candidates at all levels, from entry level to management. We will assist you in finding your next job quickly, ensuring weekly pay and a flexible schedule tailored... 

GovernmentJobs.com

Forestry Technician Job at GovernmentJobs.com

 ...you interested in applying forest management techniques and practices to support the County's land and forest management program? A Forestry Technician position is now available in Duluth, MN. At St. Louis County you'll find competitive pay, professional development,... 

Catherine Hershey School

Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher Job at Catherine Hershey School

 ...Development Associate) Accreditation within two years of hire, or qualifications equivalent to CDA (12 college credits in Early Childhood education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development)\n CDA (Child Development Associate) Accreditation...