Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand that has been dedicated to promoting healthier communities and connecting people to real, wholesome food since its inception in 2007. The company is widely known for revolutionizing the fast food industry by offering fresh, flavorful menu options that are crafted with a commitment to sustainability and rooted in strong relationships with farmers and local communities. Sweetgreen has grown to become a leader in the fast casual dining space, prioritizing wellness, quality ingredients, and exceptional customer experiences. The company fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment where all team members have the opportunity to grow and contribute to a mission that combines food, people, and purpose.

Sweetgreen is currently seeking a Culinary Lead, referred to as a Kitchen Lead within the organization, who will be the expert in food quality within the kitchen setting. This role is pivotal in ensuring that every food item served meets Sweetgreen's high standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, Sweetgreen operates with innovative kitchens that avoid grills or fryers, focusing instead on smart systems and the preparation of fresh, real food done right. The Culinary Lead is not a people manager — this position does not involve scheduling or conducting performance reviews — but it is a critical leadership role responsible for setting the standard of food preparation, cooking, and presentation every shift.

The Culinary Lead role demands expertise in kitchen operations and food execution, with a strong emphasis on consistency and craftsmanship. This position requires mentoring and coaching team members in real time to elevate food quality and kitchen efficiency. The Culinary Lead will collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence standards throughout all service periods. This job is perfect for individuals who love hands-on kitchen work, take immense pride in their craft, and want leadership responsibilities without the full burden of people management.

As part of Sweetgreen’s commitment to staff development, top-performing Kitchen Leads have a clear and promising career path toward becoming General Managers within a two to three-year timeframe. The company offers competitive wages, tips where applicable, medical, dental, and vision options, paid time off, and various other employee benefits. Sweetgreen fosters a dynamic environment where team members receive training on menu launches, gain valuable experience in a high-volume kitchen setting, and enjoy perks like free meals every shift and access to exclusive merchandise.

Joining Sweetgreen means becoming a part of a movement that aims to reshape the future of fast food by focusing on sustainability, quality, and community engagement. Candidates who thrive in this role will have strong attention to detail, an ability to manage kitchen prep timing effectively, and a passion for delivering outstanding food experiences that connect customers with nourishing, high-quality meals. The Culinary Lead will be a key player in upholding Sweetgreen’s values and operational standards, helping ensure that every guest enjoys a meal made with care and precision.