Sushi Lead - UNION - AVAILABILITY REQUIRED 4AM - 9PM

Job Title: Sushi Lead - Union
Department: Sushi
Job Region: Oregon / SW Washington
Reports to: Sushi Manager
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Union Represented: Yes, NSLU
Scheduling Requirements: This role supports a retail operation that is open seven days per week and requires being scheduled at least 37.5 hours per week for shifts that include a mix of mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work schedules are based on business needs and may change seasonally or due to staffing demands. Reasonable accommodations related to scheduling will be considered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Position Summary: Provides exceptional customer service and product guidance to customers while responsible for directing the work of Sushi Clerks and participating in the production of premium sushi products.
Position Responsibilities:
•    Guides the daily work of department employees, assigning tasks and auditing the quality of presentations and signage.
•    Ensures that department conditions, including signage, pricing accuracy, and case presentation are maintained to merchandising standards.
•    Trains employees on production, terminology, product labeling, and customer engagement standards.
•    Performs production of sushi items, including prepping ingredients, rolling, and garnishing.
•    Prepares all sushi items strictly according to company recipes and artisanal standards to ensure consistency and quality.
•    Monitors product quality by handling ingredients according to company policy.
•    Executes department merchandising by stocking, rotating, and "facing" products with strict attention to quality and expiration dates.
•    Performs daily operational tasks, including department opening/closing, processing special orders, and maintaining accurate pricing and signage.
•    Performs logistical tasks such as receiving merchandise, verifying counts, and managing back-stock organization.
•    Maintains a sanitary environment by cleaning equipment and storage areas in accordance with food safety standards.
•    Monitors product integrity by identifying damaged or spoiled goods and reporting inventory discrepancies to management.
•    Communicates effectively with store leadership regarding safety, security, or customer service issues that may impact store operations.
General Responsibilities:
•    Prioritizes and completes assigned tasks based on department needs and changing business conditions. 
•    Applies job-related judgment to address operational issues and routine decision-making in accordance with company policies and safety standards. 
•    Works scheduled shifts based on business needs and maintains reliable attendance in accordance with company policy and applicable laws. 
•    Follows workplace safety practices and reports hazards, equipment issues, or compliance concerns promptly. 
•    Uses company resources appropriately and complies with company policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. 
•    Provides responsive, courteous, and solutions-focused customer service by identifying customer needs, offering appropriate product guidance, and resolving concerns in accordance with company standards. 
•    Communicates respectfully and collaborates with team members and leadership to support a productive work environment. 
•    Contributes to an inclusive and respectful workplace by treating coworkers and customers fairly and using inclusive communication.
•    Performs basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) for unit counts, weight tares, and handling transactions.  
•    Reads and speaks English to ensure safety, follow recipes/schematics, and effectively communicate with customers.   
•    Completes other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
•    Experience: Previous experience in a fast-paced food, retail, grocery, or hospitality environment. 
Preferred Qualifications:
•    Technical Proficiency: 
•    Familiarity with handheld inventory scanners or price guns.
•    Familiarity with service counter, including weighing and packaging.
•    Operational Awareness: Basic understanding of "Organic Standards," "Cross-Contamination," or "FIFO" (First In, First Out) rotation.
Tools: 
•    Industrial Kitchen: Rice cookers, sushi rolling and cutting equipment, fryer, and commercial refrigeration.
•    Cutting Tools: Knives, specialized vegetable slicers, and sharpeners.
•    Safety: Thermometers, industrial dishwashers, non-slip knives, cut-resistant gloves, standard PPE, and chemical sanitation kits.
•    Technology: Scales and standard office software.
•    Janitorial: Basic housekeeping and janitorial equipment.
Physical Requirements:
•    Stamina: Required to stand and walk for the duration of the shift (up to 8 hours).
•    Movement: Constantly required to stoop, bend, crouch, twist, pull, and reach. Frequent use of hands and wrists for grasping, squeezing, and fine motor tasks.
•    Dexterity: High level of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for intricate rolling, slicing, and garnishing.
•    Lifting: Must frequently lift and move up to 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.
•    Climbing: Occasionally required to climb stairs, step stools, or ladders.
Work Environment: This role is based in a dynamic grocery retail environment. Candidates should be prepared for the following conditions:
•    Physical Surroundings: Work involves navigating store floors, which may include wet or slippery surfaces. Depending on the specific location, navigating stairs or elevators may be required.
•    Climate & Temperature: Exposure to varying temperatures, including extreme cold while working in walk-in coolers and freezers, as well as outdoor conditions in all weather types.
•    Atmosphere: A moderate noise level is typical for this environment. There may also be exposure to dust, mold, gluten, fragrances, fumes, airborne particles, fresh fruits and vegetables, house plants, and flowers. 
•    Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to common food allergens and commercial cleaning chemicals and agents, including use of and work in proximity to standard commercial cleaning products.
Equal Opportunity & Accommodation: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and applicable state or local laws, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job.
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function within the company. New Seasons Market reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet changing industry or business needs as necessary.

Benefits Information

All staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and our 30% staff shopping discount. Full-time, regular-status staff that regularly work 24 hours or more per week and have worked for 60 days are eligible for medical, dental, vision, pre-tax spending accounts, life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and disability benefits.  Full-time, part-time, and temporary staff who have worked for 60 days and are at least 21 years of age may participate in the 401(k) program. Employees begin accruing PTO on their first day of employment; the amount they accrue depends on hours worked and tenure. Staff may be eligible for paid holidays, depending on schedule and tenure.  Additional benefits include supplemental leave pay (such as parental or bereavement), a store incentive program based on financial & operational goals, paid time for volunteering at a 501(c)3 non-profit, discounts on some forms of public transportation, adoption assistance, and up to $40 reimbursement for dinner out or New Seasons Market groceries for their birthday.