Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand that is passionately committed to building healthier communities by connecting people to real, fresh food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has reinvented the concept of fast food by emphasizing fresh, flavorful meals that are rooted in strong relationships with farmers and local communities. The company continues to grow robustly, driven by a mission that extends beyond just serving food – Sweetgreen fosters a culture of health, sustainability, and inclusion. Their focus on food quality and community connection makes them a leading innovator in the fast casual dining segment. The brand is dedicated to not only nourishing its customers but also its employees, offering them career development opportunities and a supportive working environment that values diversity and equal opportunity.

The role of Culinary Lead, known internally at Sweetgreen as Kitchen Lead, is pivotal in ensuring that the company's food quality standards are not only met but exceeded every day. As the food quality expert in the kitchen, the Culinary Lead is the cornerstone of the kitchen execution team, responsible for how food is prepped, cooked, and presented to maintain the highest standards of flavor, food safety, and visual appeal. This role is hands-on and craft-centered, with an emphasis on consistency and high standards rather than managerial tasks such as scheduling or formal performance reviews. The Culinary Lead is the go-to person for all food-related matters during each shift, acting as an advocate for food quality. They collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

Sweetgreen distinguishes itself from traditional restaurant kitchens by eliminating the use of grills and fryers, instead leveraging smart kitchen systems and focusing on fresh, real-food preparation. Culinary Leads thrive in this innovative environment and play a key role in executing new menu launches while coaching teammates through real-time feedback. This role suits individuals who love working in the kitchen, take immense pride in crafting consistent and high-quality food, and seek leadership responsibility without the full responsibilities of people management. The position offers a clear career progression path, with top-performing Culinary Leads poised to advance to General Manager roles within 2 to 3 years.

As a Culinary Lead at Sweetgreen, you will manage prep timing and inventory to keep food production running smoothly during busy periods, ensuring that every dish meets the company’s high standards. This is a role for individuals who enjoy training and inspiring their peers, who can spot and resolve issues quickly, and who are committed to the overall mission of delivering exceptional, healthy food. Sweetgreen supports its team members with competitive wages, tips where applicable, medical, dental, and vision coverage options for both part-time and full-time employees, paid time off, free meals during each shift, and a 401(k) plan for those eligible. Employees can also access unique company merchandise, fostering a sense of team pride and belonging.

Sweetgreen is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants without discrimination on any legally protected bases. They participate in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility and provide accommodations as required by law. Joining Sweetgreen means becoming part of a movement that is dedicated to rewriting the future of fast food with fresh ideas, healthier options, and sustained community engagement.