Kitchen Manager – Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena
This position is employed exclusively by Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena. No employment relationship is established with any other affiliated or sister company.
About Us
Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena is a premium Japanese-inspired dining concept specializing in high-quality wagyu, shabu shabu, sushi, and elevated guest experiences. We are building a professional, detail-oriented team that values food quality, consistency, hospitality, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
We are seeking a responsible and experienced Kitchen Manager to join our team at Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena. This role is responsible for managing daily kitchen operations, supporting food preparation standards, training kitchen staff, maintaining cleanliness, controlling inventory, and ensuring smooth service during busy restaurant hours.
This position is a strong fit for candidates with experience in Japanese restaurants, hot pot, shabu shabu, sushi, BBQ, buffet, or high-volume restaurant kitchens. The ideal candidate does not need to be a traditional executive chef, but must be able to lead a kitchen team, teach staff how to cook and prepare menu items properly, maintain consistency, and make sure the kitchen runs efficiently.
Employment Details
Hiring Entity: Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena
Work Location: 300 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt or Non-Exempt depending on final role classification
Pay Range: $72,000 – $90,000 per year, plus performance-based bonus, subject to applicable federal, state, and local tax withholdings
Benefits Eligibility: To be discussed during hiring process
Start Date: Upon onboarding completion
All required pre-employment notices and documents will be provided at or before the start date, as required by law.
Key Responsibilities
Manage daily back-of-house operations and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly during service.
Train kitchen staff on food preparation, cooking procedures, portion control, plating, and company standards.
Teach and supervise proper preparation of shabu shabu ingredients, meats, sauces, broths, sushi items, side dishes, and other menu items.
Support meat slicing, portioning, storage, and handling procedures to maintain consistency and quality.
Monitor food quality, taste, presentation, speed of service, and kitchen workflow.
Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and compliance with health department regulations.
Assist with inventory control, ordering needs, food storage, waste reduction, and food cost management.
Create and follow prep lists, opening/closing checklists, and kitchen SOPs.
Communicate clearly with front-of-house management to support smooth service and guest satisfaction.
Help hire, train, coach, and supervise kitchen team members.
Handle high-pressure, high-volume service periods with professionalism and strong leadership.
Qualifications
Minimum 2–5 years of kitchen experience, preferably in Japanese cuisine, hot pot, shabu shabu, sushi, BBQ, buffet, or high-volume restaurant operations.
Prior experience as Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Lead Cook, Head Cook, Sushi Chef, Prep Lead, or similar role preferred.
Must be able to teach staff how to prepare, cook, and execute menu items consistently.
Strong knife skills and food preparation knowledge preferred.
Experience with meat handling, slicing, portioning, seafood preparation, or hot pot ingredients is a plus.
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, inventory control, and kitchen organization.
Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Must be reliable, punctual, organized, and able to lead by example.
Bilingual English/Chinese is a plus, but not required.
Compliance Statement
Wagyu Master Shabu Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws regarding non-discrimination, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, and any other protected category under applicable law.
For positions in California, we also comply with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, applicable wage and hour regulations, fair scheduling requirements, and worker rights laws.
Applicants may request reasonable accommodations under the ADA or applicable state law during the hiring or employment process.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the work and is not a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or conditions. Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause or notice, unless otherwise agreed in writing and as permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this job description should be construed as creating a contract of employment.
To Apply
Please submit your resume for consideration. Candidates with hands-on kitchen leadership experience are encouraged to apply. Only candidates who meet our minimum requirements will be contacted for interviews.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
