Head Sushi Chef

Scratch Restaurants Group

Head Sushi Chef

Santa Barbara, CA +1 location
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    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.

  • Locations
    Santa Barbara, CA • Dallas, TX