Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand revolutionizing the fast food industry by offering fresh, flavorful, and sustainably sourced food that connects people to real ingredients and healthier communities. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has grown into a prominent fast casual dining option renowned for its commitment to health, quality, and relationships with local farmers. The company embodies a culture of inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and continuous development of its team members, fostering opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization. With a focus on real food done right—no grills, no fryers, just smart kitchen systems—the brand uniquely balances modern culinary innovation with a dedication to food safety and quality standards. Its mission is not only to provide wholesome meals but to also create spaces where food, people, and purpose intersect.

The Culinary Lead, known internally as the Kitchen Lead, plays a vital role in ensuring that Sweetgreen's culinary operations maintain their high standards. This role centers on owning all aspects of food quality in the kitchen, focusing on how food is prepped, cooked, and presented for each shift. Unlike traditional restaurant leadership positions, this role is not a people management position; it does not require scheduling or performance reviews. Instead, it emphasizes leading by example, coaching peers in food execution, and maintaining consistency in food quality. The Culinary Lead is the expert responsible for delivering the exceptional taste, appearance, and safety that the Sweetgreen brand promises. They work closely with Shift Leaders and Managers while staying ahead of kitchen demands through strategic prep management. This position offers an exciting pathway to advancement, with top performers often moving into General Manager roles within 2-3 years, making it a significant step for culinary professionals passionate about food quality and leadership without full managerial responsibilities. The role offers competitive wages, eligibility for tips depending on location and role, and comprehensive benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and 401(k) options for eligible team members. Sweetgreen prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members receive regular training and opportunities to contribute to new menu launches. The Culinary Lead receives a free meal every shift and access to custom Sweetgreen gear through the Team Member Merch Shop, reinforcing the brand's commitment to both the culinary craft and team culture.