Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a prominent national restaurant brand committed to building healthier communities by connecting people to real, fresh food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast-food industry by focusing on food that is fresh, flavorful, and deeply rooted in relationships with farmers and local communities. The company believes in fostering an inclusive workplace where every employee's growth is supported, and it offers equal opportunities without discrimination across factors such as gender, race, religion, disability, and military status. Sweetgreen operates on a mission to create spaces where food, people, and purpose come together, empowering not just customers but also its team members to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the brand's vision. The company participates in the federal E-Verify program to ensure employment eligibility and is committed to accommodating applicants as permitted by law.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, is an integral position focused on food quality, kitchen execution, and crafting exceptional food experiences. Unlike traditional kitchen leadership positions, this role does not involve managing people directly — there are no responsibilities such as scheduling or performance reviews. Instead, the Culinary Lead is the food quality expert who sets the standard for how all food is prepped, cooked, and presented during shifts. This position is ideal for individuals who love being in the kitchen, take pride in producing consistent, high-quality food without the use of grills or fryers, and excel at coaching their teammates through hands-on feedback and collaboration. The Culinary Lead works closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards. With a focus on fast-casual dining and smart kitchen systems, the role demands a keen eye for detail and the ability to anticipate volume demands by managing prep timing and kitchen supplies efficiently.

Joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead is not just a job but a step towards a rewarding career path. Top-performing Kitchen Leads have clear opportunities to advance into General Manager roles within 2-3 years, gaining deeper leadership responsibilities without the pressures of direct personnel management. The position offers competitive wages, opportunities for tips depending on location, and benefits that include medical, dental, vision plans, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and a 401(k) plan for eligible team members. Every shift comes with a free meal, and employees can enjoy exclusive access to the Team Member Merch Shop where they can earn and purchase custom Sweetgreen gear. This role is a perfect fit for candidates who thrive in high-volume kitchens such as fast casual, quick-service restaurants, full service, or corporate dining environments and want to be part of a movement that prioritizes healthier food and sustainable practices.