Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand committed to promoting healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals prepared with ingredients sourced directly from farmers and local communities. The company emphasizes sustainability and transparency, striving to create inviting spaces where food, people, and purpose intersect. With a rapidly growing presence across the United States, Sweetgreen not only aims to expand its footprint but also invests heavily in its team members' professional development and well-being. Equal opportunity employment is a cornerstone of Sweetgreen's philosophy, underscoring its dedication to diversity, inclusion, and respect for every individual regardless of race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics.

The company is currently seeking a Culinary Lead, also referred to as a Kitchen Lead, to join their team. This role places the candidate as a food quality expert responsible for overseeing how food is prepped, cooked, and presented within the kitchen. Unlike traditional restaurant roles, the Culinary Lead position focuses solely on food quality and kitchen execution without involving responsibilities related to people management such as scheduling or performance reviews. Candidates who thrive in this role will set the standard for culinary excellence during every shift by leading through example, maintaining consistency, coaching team members, and ensuring that every dish meets Sweetgreen's exacting standards. The kitchens feature innovative systems with no grills or fryers, focusing purely on real food made right. This role is suitable for individuals who have a passion for kitchen operations, food craftsmanship, and enjoy fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Top-performing Kitchen Leads are provided with a clear career development path, with many advancing to General Manager positions within two to three years. The company provides competitive wages, tips (where applicable), and benefits including medical, dental, vision options, paid vacation, and 401(k) plans. The Culinary Lead role is ideal for someone seeking leadership experience without full people management duties, who enjoys training peers, and who values consistent quality and operational excellence in a fast-paced kitchen environment.