Advance Your Career at Kadena Air Base: Assistant Manager Opportunity

Are you a hospitality professional looking to take your career overseas? The Department of the Air Force is currently seeking a motivated Assistant Manager to join the team at Chili's Grill and Bar located on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. This is an incredible opportunity to combine your management expertise with the unique experience of supporting our service members at one of the most vital installations in the Pacific.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant Manager, you will be the backbone of the back-of-house (BOH) operations. Your daily focus will include:

Quality Assurance: Maintaining strict standards for food taste, temperature, and presentation.
Operational Oversight: Managing inventory, ordering supplies, and conducting equipment maintenance checks.
Team Leadership: Supervising BOH staff, assigning duties, and ensuring compliance with standard procedures and safety regulations.
Financial Stewardship: Monitoring labor costs and minimizing food waste to ensure operational efficiency.
Customer Service: Investigating and resolving food or service complaints with professional tact.

Comparison: Standard vs. NAF Management Roles

Feature	Standard Restaurant Manager	NAF Assistant Manager (Kadena)
Scope	Private Sector / Commercial	Military Community / MWR
Location	Variable	Kadena Air Base, Okinawa
Focus	Profit Margins / Sales	Morale / Operational Standards
Eligibility	General	SOFA Sponsorship Required

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Professional Background: At least one year of progressively responsible experience in a restaurant or food service facility.
Technical Skills: Knowledge of food safety, preparation, and inventory processes.
Training: Ability to successfully complete the Chili's Manager-in-Training program.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for long shifts and lift 30 pounds.
Eligibility: Must possess SOFA sponsorship and be a legal resident in Okinawa, Japan.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly rate ranging from $18.33 to $25.00. In addition to a steady salary, employees are provided with:

Post Allowance for full-time staff.
A unique international cultural experience in Okinawa.
Direct deposit/EFT for all salary payments.

Application Tips

Submitting a federal application can be competitive. To ensure your application stands out:

Tailor Your Resume: Specifically highlight your supervisory experience in food service settings.
Verify Eligibility: Ensure all documentation regarding your SOFA status is current and attached.
Accuracy Matters: Review your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume to ensure consistency.
Formatting: Keep your resume clean and free of extraneous photos or inappropriate materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to be in the military to apply?

No, this position is open to qualified U.S. citizens and legal residents with SOFA sponsorship residing in Okinawa.

Is the background check intensive?

As with all federal positions, you will undergo a suitability/fitness adjudication process.

How will I know if I am selected?

You will receive updates via the USAJobs dashboard and the email address provided in your application.

Working at Chili's on Kadena Air Base is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a key role in the daily life of our service members in the Pacific. If you have the passion, the experience, and the drive to excel, we encourage you to submit your application by the August 17, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant Manager Job Matters

Take your culinary management career global at Kadena Air Base—the heart of Pacific airpower—as an Assistant Manager for Chili's Grill and Bar.

Assistant Manager Job Overview

Join the Air Force Services team at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Manager for our Chili's Grill and Bar facility. This Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) position is vital to our mission, ensuring high standards of food quality, service excellence, and operational efficiency for our military community. If you possess a passion for hospitality and strong leadership skills, this is your opportunity to serve those who protect our nation in a dynamic, international environment.

Requirements for Assistant Manager

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of one year of progressively responsible supervisory experience in a restaurant, club, or institutional food facility.
Demonstrated knowledge of food preparation, safety, storage, and inventory management.
Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handler’s Certification.
Must be able to communicate effectively in English.
Willingness and ability to complete the Chili's Manager-in-Training (MIT/BOH) program.
Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
Flexibility to work varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must hold SOFA sponsorship and satisfy eligibility requirements for residency in Okinawa, Japan.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Manager

Proven track record in managing back-of-house labor costs.
Strong background in maintaining high standards of food temperature, appearance, and taste consistency.
Experience in high-volume, professional restaurant environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Post Allowance for regular full-time staff
✓Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer
✓Opportunity to work in a unique, world-class international environment
✓Support for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) initiatives

💡 How to Apply Assistant Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Manager Job

Ensure your resume reflects all relevant professional and volunteer experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including proof of SOFA status.
Log in to your USAJobs account or create one if necessary.
Complete the required online questionnaire accurately.
Upload all required supporting documents before the closing date.
Submit your final application package and confirm receipt.

💡 General Tips

Double-check that your resume explicitly details your experience in food preparation and staff supervision.
Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for the system's virus scan.
Clearly list your contact information and professional references on your resume.
If you have previous performance awards, include them to strengthen your application profile.
Ensure your documentation is current and reflects your correct eligibility status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance available?

No, payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this position.

What is a NAF position?

NAF stands for Non-Appropriated Fund. These positions support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs for Air Force personnel and their families.

Can I substitute education for experience?

No, this specific role requires documented experience and does not permit education to be substituted for the required professional background.

Job from Pacific Air Forces

Air Force Services operates under the Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) umbrella, focusing on Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) for Air Force and Space Force personnel. Kadena Air Base, often called the 'Keystone of the Pacific,' is home to the 18th Wing and serves as a critical hub for airpower. Our team provides high-quality support services to over 18,000 Americans, creating a vibrant community environment that boosts morale and enhances quality of life.