Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a forward-thinking national restaurant brand that has been dedicated to creating healthier communities since 2007 by connecting people with real, fresh, and flavorful food. The company has transformed fast food into an experience that champions sustainability, community relationships, and nutrition by partnering closely with farmers and sourcing quality ingredients. Sweetgreen's commitment goes beyond food; it focuses on developing its staff and creating an inclusive, supportive working environment where employees can grow their careers and invest in both their personal futures and the broader movement towards healthier living. As a fast-casual restaurant startup that is rapidly expanding, Sweetgreen offers opportunities not only in its restaurant locations but also in its support centers, providing a cohesive culture centered on purpose and excellence. Their dedication to diversity and equal opportunities means every team member, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to their mission.

The Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen, also referred to as Kitchen Lead, plays a pivotal role as the food quality expert within the kitchen. This is a hands-on, leadership role focused on ensuring the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, and safety without the traditional responsibilities of people management such as scheduling or performance reviews. Culinary Leads take ownership of how food is prepped and cooked each shift, leading by example in craft and consistency. The role involves working closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence standards. Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, Sweetgreen kitchens operate without grills or fryers, relying instead on smart systems and a focus on wholesome ingredients, which reflects the company’s mission to redefine fast food.

As a Culinary Lead, you will be responsible for managing the food quality and kitchen execution by preparing hot food using knives, ovens, and kitchen tools while maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards. You will support team members by providing immediate feedback and coaching to improve food execution. Managing prep timing and inventory levels is key to keeping the kitchen running smoothly during busy periods. More than just managing food, Culinary Leads act as advocates for quality, quickly identifying and resolving issues to maintain the customer’s experience. This role is ideal for someone who loves working in a kitchen, cares deeply about food quality and consistency, and is excited about training peers and contributing to the growth of a positive kitchen culture.

Sweetgreen provides an attractive career pathway, with top-performing Kitchen Leads potentially advancing to General Manager roles within 2-3 years. The company values its team members by offering competitive wages, opportunities for leadership growth, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance options for both part-time and full-time employees. Additional perks include paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, free meals each shift, a 401(k) plan, and team member merchandise. Sweetgreen fosters a workplace where innovation in food service meets community wellness, making it an exciting and rewarding environment for culinary professionals who want to make a difference while advancing their careers.