Kokoro Restaurant is hiring a full-time Kitchen Manager (Assistant-level) to help lead our team and support daily operations. This role works collaboratively with the Head Kitchen Manager and plays a key role in maintaining smooth kitchen operations.

The position is responsible for managing the kitchen and kitchen staff independently on the Head Kitchen Manager’s days off, ensuring consistency in standards, execution, and team leadership.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and are ready to grow into a leadership role, this is a great opportunity.

$23–$27/hour (including tips), depending on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 1–3 weeks of paid vacation (based on tenure)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)

Additional perks:

• Employee meals and discounts
• Flexible scheduling

Since opening in 1986, Kokoro has been committed to serving high-quality Japanese cuisine with heart. As a family-owned business, we focus on delivering great food quickly and affordably while treating our customers like family.

Our restaurants operate in a high-volume environment, handling a mix of dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and third-party delivery orders. The kitchen runs with a lean, efficient team of four staff members per shift, and this position is an active part of that working team.

• Work alongside and support the Head Kitchen Manager in daily operations
• Lead and manage the kitchen independently on the Head Kitchen Manager’s day off
• Act as part of a 4-person kitchen team per shift while also providing leadership and direction
• Maintain food quality, organization, cleanliness, and food safety standards
• Help manage scheduling, staffing coverage, and team support
• Monitor inventory and assist with food and labor cost control
• Train and develop team members
• Help address performance issues and support a positive team environment

A typical day starts with opening the kitchen and setting up for service—turning on equipment, organizing the workspace, and beginning morning prep. Throughout the day, you’ll help manage prep flow, support the team during service, prepare food to order, and ensure cleanliness and food safety standards are consistently met.

You’ll also help coordinate team responsibilities, including managing breaks, while working alongside the team during both lunch and dinner rushes. The shift ends with closing procedures, including cleaning, shutting down the kitchen, and preparing for the next day.

This role includes an hour unpaid break mid-shift, plus a 15-minute paid break early in the day and another 15-minute paid break later in the shift.

• Experience working in a kitchen environment
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Ability to perform and lead in a fast-paced, high-volume setting
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to step in and support
• Ability to multitask and stay composed under pressure

• Full-time
• Typically scheduled between 9 AM – 10 PM
• Weekend availability required
• Opportunity to work full-time hours in 4 days instead of 5

Arvada, CO (Zip Code: 80002)

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, fast-paced, and team-focused restaurant, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today with our quick, mobile-friendly application!

Kokoro Restaurant is hiring a full-time Kitchen Manager (Assistant-level) to help lead our team and support daily operations. This role works collaboratively with the Head Kitchen Manager and plays a key role in maintaining smooth kitchen operations.

The position is responsible for managing the kitchen and kitchen staff independently on the Head Kitchen Manager’s days off, ensuring consistency in standards, execution, and team leadership.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and are ready to grow into a leadership role, this is a great opportunity.

$23–$27/hour (including tips), depending on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 1–3 weeks of paid vacation (based on tenure)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)

Additional perks:

• Employee meals and discounts
• Flexible scheduling

Since opening in 1986, Kokoro has been committed to serving high-quality Japanese cuisine with heart. As a family-owned business, we focus on delivering great food quickly and affordably while treating our customers like family.

Our restaurants operate in a high-volume environment, handling a mix of dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and third-party delivery orders. The kitchen runs with a lean, efficient team of four staff members per shift, and this position is an active part of that working team.

• Work alongside and support the Head Kitchen Manager in daily operations
• Lead and manage the kitchen independently on the Head Kitchen Manager’s day off
• Act as part of a 4-person kitchen team per shift while also providing leadership and direction
• Maintain food quality, organization, cleanliness, and food safety standards
• Help manage scheduling, staffing coverage, and team support
• Monitor inventory and assist with food and labor cost control
• Train and develop team members
• Help address performance issues and support a positive team environment

A typical day starts with opening the kitchen and setting up for service—turning on equipment, organizing the workspace, and beginning morning prep. Throughout the day, you’ll help manage prep flow, support the team during service, prepare food to order, and ensure cleanliness and food safety standards are consistently met.

You’ll also help coordinate team responsibilities, including managing breaks, while working alongside the team during both lunch and dinner rushes. The shift ends with closing procedures, including cleaning, shutting down the kitchen, and preparing for the next day.

This role includes an hour unpaid break mid-shift, plus a 15-minute paid break early in the day and another 15-minute paid break later in the shift.

• Experience working in a kitchen environment
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Ability to perform and lead in a fast-paced, high-volume setting
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to step in and support
• Ability to multitask and stay composed under pressure

• Full-time
• Typically scheduled between 9 AM – 10 PM
• Weekend availability required
• Opportunity to work full-time hours in 4 days instead of 5

Arvada, CO (Zip Code: 80002)

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and join a supportive, fast-paced, and team-focused restaurant, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today with our quick, mobile-friendly application!