Head Sushi Chef / Itamae

Responsibilities

• Lead sushi counter for Guadalajara's established Japanese restaurant
• Execute nigiri, maki, sashimi, and hot Japanese kitchen coordination
• Source premium fish from Guadalajara's specialty Asian ingredient suppliers and overnight deliveries from Pacific ports
• Manage sushi team of 2–4 cooks
• Develop seasonal omakase for the restaurant's premium clientele
• Train assistant sushi cooks

Requirements

• 4–7 years sushi kitchen experience
• Classical Japanese training and strong knife skills
• Supply chain management for quality sushi fish in an inland city — critical skill
• English helpful; Spanish required

Benefits

• IMSS, Aguinaldo, vacation + premium
• Staff meals, uniform
• Parking — Guadalajara is a car city
• Growing in one of Mexico's most ambitious culinary markets

Work environment

Japanese restaurant in GDL's premium dining zones. Guadalajara's business and professional class has strong Japanese restaurant patronage — salaryman culture and sushi culture align globally, and GDL's business community reflects this.

About the role

Inland sushi mastery. Sourcing quality sushi fish in Guadalajara requires better supply chain relationships than in a coastal city. Mastering inland seafood sourcing and still producing exceptional sushi is a mark of real professional capability.