Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to transforming fast food by connecting people to real, healthy food choices. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has consistently redefined what it means to eat fast by focusing on fresh ingredients, flavorful recipes, and sustainable practices. The company emphasizes strong relationships with farmers and communities, ensuring that every meal served contributes to healthier lifestyles and better environmental outcomes. Sweetgreen's commitment extends beyond food to the development and growth of its people, offering opportunities for advancement while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and purpose-driven workplace culture.

The Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen, known as Kitchen Lead within their kitchens, is a pivotal role focusing on maintaining the highest standards of food quality and kitchen execution. Unlike traditional restaurant roles, this position does not involve managing personnel schedules or conducting performance reviews. Instead, it centers on being the expert in food preparation, cooking, and presentation. The Culinary Lead champions consistency, craft, and food safety, instructing and coaching peers in real-time to uphold Sweetgreen’s standards. The role requires hands-on involvement in kitchen processes that exclude the use of grills and fryers, relying instead on smart systems and ovens to prepare healthier fast food.

This role represents an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about quality food preparation who want leadership responsibilities without full people management. Culinary Leads serve as advocates for quality and operational excellence on every shift, working closely with shift leaders and managers to ensure cleanliness and safety. Sweetgreen offers a competitive wage and benefits package including medical and dental insurance options, paid vacation and wellness time, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for career progression. Top-performing Kitchen Leads are supported with a clear pathway toward becoming General Managers within two to three years, emphasizing Sweetgreen's dedication to employee growth.

By joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead, individuals play a crucial role in advancing Sweetgreen’s mission to create a healthier future through real food. They become part of a movement that goes beyond fast food, shaping a sustainable and nourishing dining experience while cultivating their own future careers in a highly dynamic and innovative environment.