Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a pioneering national restaurant brand recognized for its dedication to promoting healthier communities by connecting people to real, fresh food. Since its inception in 2007, Sweetgreen has redefined traditional fast food by offering flavorful, nutrient-rich meals that emphasize quality and sustainability. The brand's commitment extends beyond food — fostering relationships with farmers and local communities to ensure the ingredients used are responsibly sourced and of the highest caliber. Sweetgreen's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of the fast-casual dining industry, blending convenience with conscious eating habits.

Sweetgreen is currently seeking a Culinary Lead, known internally as a Kitchen Lead, to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal within the kitchen environment, acting as the principal food quality expert responsible for ensuring that every dish meets the company’s rigorous standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional people manager roles, this position focuses on culinary leadership — driving excellence in food preparation, coaching teammates, and maintaining consistency throughout every shift. The Culinary Lead does not handle scheduling or performance reviews but sets the bar for how food is crafted during each service. This role involves working hands-on with kitchen tools, ovens, and knives but explicitly excludes working with grills and fryers, reflecting Sweetgreen’s unique kitchen setup centered on healthy, flame-free cooking methods.

In addition to maintaining food quality and execution standards, the Culinary Lead plays an essential role in supporting the overall kitchen operations by managing prep timing and inventory levels to keep the workflow seamless amid high volumes. They serve as the go-to resource for food quality during each shift and collaborate with shift leaders and managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence. This role is an excellent fit for individuals passionate about food quality, eager to take on leadership responsibilities without managing a full team, and enthusiastic about mentoring peers in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.

By joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead, you become part of a movement dedicated to rewriting the future of fast food. The role offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, with top-performing Kitchen Leads often advancing to General Manager positions within two to three years. Sweetgreen fosters an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace, continuously striving to build a culture that embraces diversity and supports team members across all levels. The company values dedication to craft and innovation, making this role ideal for culinary professionals seeking to grow their career in a forward-thinking, mission-driven organization dedicated to healthier living and community well-being.