Unit Manager | High-End Japanese Restaurant

A Japanese company operating high-end Japanese restaurants is seeking a Unit Manager to oversee locations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Honolulu.

<Job Overview>
As our next Unit Manager, you’ll lead multi-unit restaurant operations across one of our vibrant markets in Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, New York, or Honolulu. You’ll be more than an operator; you’ll be a brand ambassador, experience curator, and culture carrier. From launching new restaurants to aligning chefs, vendor partners, and store teams, you will play a key role in shaping guest experiences and ensuring each location reflects the soul of Japanese hospitality. Every detail, from service flow to cultural integrity, will be influenced by your leadership.
Upon hire, the selected candidate will initially join our parent company in Osaka, Japan for a structured training period of approximately 6 to 12 months or longer. Following successful completion, the individual will be re-transferred to the company to lead the U.S. based operations within the restaurants collection.

<Job Duties>
・Lead daily operations across multiple luxury Japanese restaurants to deliver consistent, culturally aligned guest experiences.
・Serve as a strategic partner to ensure each restaurant adheres to the brand’s cultural, culinary, and service standards.
・Provide on-the-ground leadership, rotating across units to audit, train, and coach teams
for continuous excellence.
・Support end-to-end process management from pre-opening logistics (setup, training, etc.) to successful launch and stabilization of the restaurants.
・Manage P&L responsibilities, including revenue, labor, food costs, and operational expenses.
・Report on business trends, guest feedback, and regional KPIs to inform company-wide strategies.
・Recruit and inspire teams who bring the spirit of omotenashi to life through every guest interaction.
・Champion and cultivate an environment where discipline meets mindfulness, and every detail reflects a shared pursuit of authentic Japanese hospitality and service excellence.
・Engage with VIPs, dignitaries, and influential guests to deliver personalized, unforgettable dining experiences that embody the prestige and cultural depth of the brand.
・Proactively enhance guest feedback channels and service recovery processes to reflect trust, care, and authentic Japanese hospitality.
・Ensure compliance with food safety, labor, health, and liquor laws for that location.
・Uphold brand standards in cleanliness, service flow, and overall dining experience

【Training in Japan】 (Approximately six months)
・Acquire essential knowledge required for the overall management and operation of multiple restaurant locations
・Learn operational practices (excluding food preparation) at renowned partner restaurants in Japan
・Assist in the development of operational manuals

【After Relocating to the U.S.】
・Lead all phases of the pre-opening process for new locations, including setup and staff training, through to stable operations
・Manage P/L (sales, labor costs, food costs, operating expenses) and implement data-driven strategic decisions
・Recruit and lead a team that embodies the spirit of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) at every guest touchpoint
・Create memorable dining experiences by building relationships with VIPs, influencers, and distinguished guests
・Ensure compliance with all operational laws and regulations, including those related to food safety, hygiene, alcohol service, and employment

<Requirements>
・Legally authorized to work in the United States.
・Business-level Japanese proficiency (JLPT N1 or N2 equivalent) strongly preferred.
・7+ years of multi-restaurant leadership experience in upscale or fine dining, with an appreciation for Japanese or Asian culinary traditions.
・Proven ability to lead diverse teams and deliver high-standard, personalized guest experiences with emotional intelligence and adaptability.
・Demonstrated financial acumen and operational discipline in multi-restaurant settings.
・Flexible to travel as needed across assigned locations.

<Preferred Qualifications>
・Experience with Michelin-level or Japanese luxury hospitality brands.
・Cultural fluency in Japanese hospitality and a background in culinary, beverage, or hospitality training are highly valued.
・Certified sommelier
・Experience as a chef or manager in a fine dining establishment

【Keywords】
①High-End Restaurant Management
②Financial management, Operations management
③Japanese English Bilingual