Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a prominent national restaurant brand dedicated to creating healthier communities by reconnecting people with real, fresh food. Since its founding in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast-food industry by focusing on quality, flavor, and sustainability rooted in robust relationships with local farmers and communities. As a fast-casual restaurant chain, Sweetgreen prioritizes freshness and transparency, offering a menu that avoids traditional fast food methods such as grills and fryers, instead opting for kitchens equipped with smart systems to deliver wholesome meals. The company’s mission is not only to serve nutritious food but also to foster a sense of community and purpose among its customers and employees alike. Sweetgreen is committed to inclusivity and equal opportunity employment, embracing diversity without discrimination based on race, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. The company also actively participates in programs like E-Verify to ensure employment eligibility, and it provides reasonable accommodations as required by law.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known internally as Kitchen Lead, represents a crucial position focused on being the ultimate food quality authority in the kitchen. Unlike traditional restaurant roles, this position is not a people management job; it does not involve creating schedules or conducting performance reviews. Instead, the Culinary Lead is tasked with owning every aspect of food preparation, cooking, and presentation to meet Sweetgreen’s high standards. This role provides hands-on leadership through craft, coaching, and maintaining unwavering consistency. You will be the go-to expert responsible for ensuring that each dish served aligns with the brand’s commitment to flavor, safety, and quality.

In this position, you will work closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold not only food quality but also food safety, operational excellence, and kitchen cleanliness. You will use your expertise to provide real-time feedback to team members and help improve their food execution skills. This role offers an exciting opportunity for culinary professionals who thrive in high-volume kitchens and desire leadership responsibilities without the full scope of people management. The Culinary Lead position serves as a key career stepping stone, with top performers often advancing to General Manager or Shift Leader roles within two to three years.

Working at Sweetgreen offers competitive wages, tips depending on your location, and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options available for both part-time and full-time employees. Additional benefits include paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, free meals during shifts, a 401(k) plan, and access to an exclusive Team Member Merch Shop where you can earn and purchase custom Sweetgreen gear. This role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week and offers an inclusive, supportive culture centered around personal growth and community impact. By joining Sweetgreen, you are not only enhancing your culinary career but also contributing to a movement that prioritizes real food, sustainability, and health-conscious dining experiences.