Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a leading national restaurant brand committed to building healthier communities by linking people to real food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful menu options that emphasize quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing from farmers and local communities. The company prides itself on fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and equal opportunity, ensuring every team member has the chance to grow and contribute to a mission greater than just serving meals. Sweetgreen's operations combine innovative kitchen systems with a fresh food philosophy, eschewing traditional fast food kitchen elements like grills and fryers for a cleaner, more health-conscious approach.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known internally as Kitchen Lead, is a pivotal position focused on food quality and kitchen execution. Serving as the food quality expert in the kitchen, the Culinary Lead is responsible for ensuring that every food item prepared meets Sweetgreen's high standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. This role is distinctively not a people management position; instead, it revolves around leading by example through mastery of craft, consistent execution, and real-time coaching of peers. Culinary Leads don’t manage schedules or performance reviews but serve as the go-to person for culinary standards during each shift. The role involves prepping and cooking hot foods using tools like knives and ovens while adhering strictly to safety and quality protocols without the use of grilled or fried cooking methods.

The ideal Culinary Lead is passionate about food quality and consistency, enjoys a dynamic kitchen environment, and seeks leadership opportunities that emphasize skill and quality rather than direct people management. They play a key role in supporting Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold operational excellence and food safety standards. This position also offers a clear career development path, with top performers often advancing to General Manager roles within two to three years. It presents an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to grow their future in the fast-casual dining sector while being part of a movement to redefine fast food.

Working as a Culinary Lead at Sweetgreen offers a number of benefits including competitive wages, tips (depending on location and role), and health benefits like medical, dental, and vision for both part-time and full-time team members. Additionally, the role includes paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and a free meal during every shift, plus access to a 401(k) plan and a team member merch shop for custom branded gear. Sweetgreen’s inclusive culture extends to all applicants and employees, supporting equal opportunity in hiring regardless of background or identity, and offers accommodations as permitted by law.

Overall, the Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen is a vital and rewarding role for those passionate about food quality, operational excellence, and career growth in a fast-growing, mission-driven restaurant brand committed to a healthier future.