Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand dedicated to cultivating healthier communities by connecting people to real, fresh food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast-food industry by prioritizing food that is both delicious and nutritious, made with ingredients sourced directly from farmers and local communities. The company focuses on sustainability and social responsibility, building a culture where food, people, and purpose intersect to deliver an exceptional dining experience. As part of its rapid growth, Sweetgreen is committed to the development of its employees across both its expanding network of restaurants and corporate support centers, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for career growth and personal development.

The Culinary Lead, known within Sweetgreen as the Kitchen Lead, holds a pivotal role in this mission. This position emphasizes being the food quality expert within the kitchen, responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food preparation, cooking, and presentation. Unlike traditional kitchen roles, Sweetgreen kitchens operate without grills or fryers, instead relying on smart systems and clean cooking techniques to prepare wholesome meals. This role is focused on leading by example in craft, consistency, and coaching, without the typical managerial responsibilities like scheduling or conducting performance reviews. The Culinary Lead is the authority on food quality during their shifts, partnering closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to ensure operational excellence, food safety, and cleanliness throughout the kitchen.

The responsibilities of a Culinary Lead revolve around owning the quality of every food item served, ensuring that each dish meets Sweetgreen’s strict standards for flavor, safety, and appearance. This role involves hands-on work prepping and cooking hot food using kitchen tools like knives and ovens, continually monitoring prep timing and inventory levels to maintain smooth kitchen operations during high-volume periods. Providing real-time feedback and coaching to teammates to elevate food execution is a key part of the role, as is proactively identifying and resolving any issues related to food quality.

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about food quality and kitchen excellence, those who enjoy leading by example and training others, and those seeking leadership opportunities without full people management responsibilities. The Culinary Lead plays a critical role in supporting Sweetgreen’s broader mission of rewriting the future of fast food, with a clear growth trajectory where top performers can progress to General Manager roles within two to three years.

Sweetgreen offers competitive wages, tips where applicable, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance options for both part-time and full-time team members, paid vacation, wellness time, and parental leave. Employees also enjoy perks like free meals during shifts, access to a 401(k) plan, and opportunities to earn and purchase custom Sweetgreen merchandise. This position requires a commitment to at least 30 hours a week, with eligibility requirements including food safety certification and compliance with physical demands typical of high-volume kitchen environments.

By joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead, team members become part of a movement to create healthier, more sustainable food experiences and contribute to building communities centered around real food and authentic connections. The culture values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring an equitable and supportive workplace for all employees regardless of gender, age, race, disability status, or veteran status, among other protected categories. Sweetgreen also participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility and provides accommodations as required by law.

If you love working in a kitchen environment, take pride in food quality and consistency, and want to grow your career in a supportive and innovative food company without the full responsibilities of a manager, the Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to lead with passion and excellence.