Position: Head Sushi Chef, Catering / Kaiseki / Omakase
Location: Houston, TX
Compensation: $70,000–$85,000 base salary + per-event earnings ($350-$400 per event) + bonus potential ($120K-$130K estimated total compensation)
Schedule: Full-time | Combination of weekday corporate schedule and event-based evenings / weekends
Benefits: Comprehensive package including fully covered employee health benefits, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and relocation assistance
Role Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and entrepreneurial Head Sushi Chef, Catering to lead both the creative and operational direction of a growing, high-end catering division specializing in Japanese cuisine.
This role oversees the development of refined tasting menus while managing the full lifecycle of catered events. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in traditional Japanese techniques, paired with the ability to adapt offerings for a diverse, modern clientele.
This role is well-suited for a chef who thrives in both intimate, high-touch dining experiences and multi-event operational environments, with a strong focus on quality, storytelling, and execution.
What you bring to the table:
- Advanced expertise in Kaiseki, Omakase, and traditional Japanese culinary techniques
- Proven ability to design and execute seasonal, multi-course tasting menus using premium ingredients
- Experience leading the end-to-end execution of catered events, from menu development through service
- Strong operational skills, including inventory management, vendor sourcing, and cost control
- Demonstrated ownership of food cost and event-level P&L performance
- Ability to lead, train, and inspire a culinary team of 10+, ensuring consistency across multiple events
- Experience balancing simultaneous events and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong vendor relationships and negotiation skills to source high-quality ingredients
- Comfort collaborating with marketing or media teams to support brand visibility and content creation
- Ability to tailor traditional menus to appeal to both authentic and contemporary audiences
Why you’ll love working here:
- Opportunity to lead and shape a new, high-end catering program
- Creative ownership over menu development and seasonal offerings
- Competitive compensation structure with event-based earning potential and bonus opportunities
- Strong benefits package including fully covered employee health insurance
- Relocation support available
Required Work Experience:
- 8+ years of culinary experience in fine dining restaurant or high-end catering Japanese-focused concepts
- 3–5 years of specialized experience in Kaiseki or traditional Japanese cuisine
- Proven experience managing food cost and operational performance
- Experience with catering operations
Preferred Work Experience:
- Experience executing tasting menu formats in private-event settings
- Exposure to multi-location or corporate foodservice environments
- Background supporting brand growth, client engagement, or culinary storytelling
- Background leading and developing culinary teams in high-execution environments
Personal Qualities:
- Creative and detail-oriented with a passion for culinary storytelling
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong ownership and accountability
- Collaborative leader who values team development and culture
- Adaptable and solutions-oriented in dynamic, event-driven environments
- Client-focused with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Motivated, positive, and team-first approach