Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated 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 made from wholesome ingredients sourced directly from farmers and local communities. The company’s mission goes beyond serving food; it seeks to create a movement that emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and wellness. With a fast-growing presence across the United States, Sweetgreen not only delivers nutritious food options but also fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace where employees can thrive and develop their careers.

As a Culinary Lead at Sweetgreen, also known as a Kitchen Lead, you will take pride in being the food quality expert within the kitchen. This role is essential for ensuring that each dish prepared meets Sweetgreen’s high standards for taste, safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, Sweetgreen’s operations do not involve grills or fryers; instead, the focus is on clean, efficient cooking methods using smart kitchen tools, knives, and ovens. Your responsibility will center on food prep, cooking, and plating, driving consistency and excellence each shift. This position is unique in that it does not involve people management duties such as scheduling or performance reviews but requires you to lead by example and provide real-time coaching to your team for optimal food execution.

The Culinary Lead is a crucial part of the kitchen team, acting as the go-to expert for food quality and kitchen operations. You'll collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold standards of food safety and cleanliness, helping maintain a smooth workflow by managing prep timing and inventory par levels. Your keen sense of detail and dedication to quality will be invaluable in spotting and resolving issues swiftly, ensuring every bowl or plate leaving the kitchen reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence.

This role is a fantastic fit for individuals passionate about food quality and consistency but who prefer leadership responsibilities without the pressures of full people management. Ideal candidates enjoy training their peers and embracing new menu innovations. Experience in high-volume kitchen environments such as fast casual, quick service restaurants, full-service dining, or corporate dining settings will prepare you to succeed in this dynamic role. Sweetgreen offers a supportive environment that encourages progression, making this role an excellent stepping stone toward higher leadership opportunities like Shift Leader or General Manager within 2-3 years.

Beyond professional growth, Sweetgreen provides competitive pay and a range of benefits, supporting team members both part-time and full-time. You’ll receive medical, dental, and vision options, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, and even a free meal each shift. There are also additional perks like tip opportunities and a 401(k) plan, depending on eligibility, plus access to a team member merch shop where you can earn and purchase custom Sweetgreen gear. Join Sweetgreen and be part of a movement shaping the future of fast food—one that values real food, community, and your career development.