Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a renowned national restaurant brand committed to transforming the fast food industry by offering fresh, flavorful, and wholesome meals that connect people to real food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has cultivated strong relationships with farmers and local communities to ensure every dish served not only tastes good but also promotes healthier living. The company focuses on fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment for its workforce, emphasizing personal development and career growth across its restaurants and support centers nationwide. Working for Sweetgreen means joining a dynamic movement that values food, people, and purpose, providing employees with opportunities to advance and contribute meaningfully in the food service industry.

The Culinary Lead, referred to internally as the Kitchen Lead, plays a pivotal role in maintaining Sweetgreen's high standards of food quality, preparation, and presentation. This position is not a traditional people management role; rather, it focuses on being the food quality expert during each shift, ensuring that all food items meet the precise standards for flavor, safety, and appearance. The Culinary Lead leads by example through skill, coaching, and consistent execution, supporting teammates and helping them improve their food preparation techniques through real-time feedback. Unlike conventional restaurants that rely on grills or fryers, Sweetgreen kitchens operate with smart, efficient systems to produce wholesome food correctly without the need for open flames or fryer oils.

This role is perfect for individuals passionate about food quality and kitchen operations who want leadership responsibility without direct people management duties like scheduling or performance reviews. Culinary Leads are critical team members who manage prep timing and inventory levels to ensure a smooth kitchen flow. They act as food quality advocates during shifts, quickly identifying and resolving any issues that arise, partnering closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence.

Sweetgreen’s Culinary Lead position offers a clear career progression path, with top performers typically advancing to General Manager roles within 2-3 years. The company provides competitive wages, meal perks, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for both part-time and full-time employees. This role is a fantastic opportunity for those who have experience in high-volume kitchens such as fast casual, quick service, full-service, or corporate dining environments and who seek a supportive, mission-driven company committed to healthier communities and sustainability.