Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand passionately committed to creating healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Since its inception in 2007, Sweetgreen has redefined the concept of fast food by making it fresh, flavorful, and rooted deeply in meaningful relationships with farmers and local communities. The company is focused on sustainability, quality, innovation, and employee growth, striving to build an inclusive and equitable work environment for all team members. Sweetgreen is well known for its smart kitchens that eliminate traditional equipment like grills and fryers, instead using tools and ovens that uphold food quality while ensuring operational efficiency. The brand’s culture encourages personal development and offers clear career pathways for team members who aspire to grow within the company.

As a Culinary Lead, also known internally as a Kitchen Lead, you play a pivotal role as the food quality expert within Sweetgreen’s fast-casual kitchens. This role is central to maintaining the high standards Sweetgreen is known for, encompassing responsibility for how food is prepped, cooked, and presented on every shift. Unlike traditional managerial roles, this position focuses primarily on food craftsmanship and kitchen execution rather than scheduling or personnel management. As the go-to person for food quality during your shift, you lead by example, delivering coaching and feedback that elevate the culinary skills of your peers.

This role involves hands-on cooking and preparation of hot food items using kitchen tools and ovens, with no grills, fryers, or open flames involved. The Culinary Lead stays ahead of kitchen volume by managing preparation timing and inventory levels to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. You work closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards, representing Sweetgreen’s commitment to excellence. If you are passionate about food quality, enjoy working in high-volume kitchens, and want leadership responsibilities minus the demands of people management, this role is an ideal fit.

Sweetgreen values continuous growth and offers clear advancement opportunities, with top-performing Kitchen Leads often moving into General Manager roles within two to three years. In addition to competitive wages, team members receive perks including tips (location and role dependent), medical/dental/vision benefits for eligible employees, paid vacation and wellness time, free meals during shifts, 401(k) plans, and access to a company merch shop. Sweetgreen fosters a supportive work environment where food, people, and purpose come together to build a healthier future both for the community and for employees' own career development.