Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand committed to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the fast-food industry by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals that emphasize sustainability and local sourcing. The company prides itself on fostering a culture that values relationships with farmers and customers alike, promoting a healthier future through innovative food concepts and community connections. As Sweetgreen continues to expand, it remains devoted to developing its employees, offering career growth and empowerment within its restaurants and corporate environments. The brand’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity ensures a diverse workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission of transforming fast food into a force for good.

The Culinary Lead position, also known as Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen, is a pivotal role dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of food quality and kitchen execution every shift. Unlike traditional restaurant roles, this is not a people management position; it focuses exclusively on food craftsmanship, coaching, and maintaining consistency across meal preparation and presentation. Culinary Leads are responsible for the meticulous preparation and cooking of food without the use of grills or fryers, relying instead on knives, ovens, and kitchen tools to deliver quality. The role demands leadership in food quality, with a strong focus on managing prep timing, par levels, and timely problem-solving to maintain smooth kitchen operations. Culinary Leads act as advocates for food safety, cleanliness, and excellence, collaborating closely with Shift Leaders and Managers but concentrating specifically on the culinary aspect rather than employee scheduling or performance reviews.

Perfect for individuals passionate about kitchen work who seek leadership experience without direct staff management, this role offers an excellent pathway for career advancement within Sweetgreen. Top-performing Culinary Leads often advance to General Manager roles within two to three years. The position emphasizes real-time coaching to help teammates enhance their cooking skills and embrace new menu launches with enthusiasm. Candidates with prior experience in high-volume kitchens such as fast casual, quick-service restaurants, full service, or corporate dining environments will find this role particularly rewarding. Sweetgreen’s unique approach removes conventional kitchen hazards like flames and oil fryers, promoting a safe and efficient workspace that prioritizes fresh, wholesome food.

This opportunity includes competitive wages, eligibility for tips depending on location and role, and benefits such as medical, dental, and vision plans for both part-time and full-time employees. Additional perks include paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, a free meal every shift, access to a 401(k) plan, and the chance to purchase custom Sweetgreen merchandise through the Team Member Merch Shop. Sweetgreen provides an inclusive, supportive, and enriching work environment where individuals can grow their skills, contribute meaningfully to healthier eating habits, and be part of an innovative food movement dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment.