Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a prominent national restaurant brand committed to building healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by offering fresh, flavorful meals made from high-quality ingredients with a focus on sustainability and strong relationships with local farmers and communities. The company emphasizes not only the quality of the food but also the experience of people coming together around meals designed to nourish the body and foster connections. As Sweetgreen continues to expand its footprint across the country, it remains dedicated to nurturing its team members and creating an inclusive, empowering work environment.

The Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of food quality and kitchen excellence within a modern fast casual setting. Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, Sweetgreen kitchens do not utilize grills or fryers, instead relying on smart systems and careful techniques to prepare real food with consistency and care. Culinary Leads are food quality experts who oversee the preparation, cooking, and presentation of menu items, ensuring every dish meets the company’s high standards for flavor, safety, and appearance. This role is not a people management position; it focuses purely on craft, coaching, and maintaining consistency throughout every shift. As the go-to person for all aspects of kitchen execution, the Culinary Lead works collaboratively with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain operational excellence.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about food quality and consistency who want to take on leadership responsibilities without managing full teams. Culinary Leads engage in real-time training and support of teammates, helping them master food execution and get excited about new menu offerings. They are instrumental in managing prep timing and inventory levels to keep operations smooth and efficient during high-volume periods. Sweetgreen invests in the growth of its Culinary Leads, with top performers often progressing to General Manager roles within 2-3 years. Team members in this role can expect competitive wages, benefits, and a supportive culture that champions health, wellness, and continuous learning. Sweetgreen offers various benefits such as medical, dental, and vision plans, paid vacation, wellness time, and opportunities to earn team merchandise. The company also supports a strong commitment to diversity, equal opportunity employment, and compliance with federal programs like E-Verify.

If you are enthusiastic about working in a vibrant kitchen environment, enjoy maintaining high standards of food quality, and want to grow your future in the restaurant industry, this Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen presents an exciting career path. The role requires dedication to food safety, precision in prep and cooking techniques, and the ability to lead by example to foster consistency and excellence in every shift. Join Sweetgreen and be part of a movement that is transforming the fast casual dining experience while building a healthier future for communities across the nation.