Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to promoting healthier communities by connecting people with real, wholesome food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the concept of fast food by focusing on fresh, flavorful meals crafted from relationships with farmers and communities. The company is committed not only to creating delicious, nutrient-rich menu options but also to fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment for all employees, regardless of background or identity. As part of their growth, Sweetgreen invests in the development of their team members at every level, cultivating career growth opportunities and emphasizing leadership training within their innovative fast-casual dining service model.

The Culinary Lead role, known internally as Kitchen Lead, is a pivotal position within Sweetgreen's kitchen operations. Unlike traditional restaurant roles, this position does not involve standard people management tasks such as scheduling or performance reviews. Instead, the focus is on food quality expertise and kitchen execution. The Culinary Lead ensures that every dish prepared meets Sweetgreen's high standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. This role requires a hands-on approach to prepping and cooking, emphasizing precision and care without relying on traditional restaurant equipment like grills or fryers. Instead, the kitchen uses smart systems designed for efficiency and quality. Culinary Leads also play a critical part in coaching team members through real-time feedback and by setting examples of consistent craftmanship.

This role represents an exciting leadership opportunity for individuals passionate about kitchen excellence without the full breadth of people management responsibilities. The Culinary Lead is the go-to expert on food quality during shifts, able to identify and resolve issues quickly to uphold brand standards. Collaboration with Shift Leaders and Managers ensures operational excellence, food safety, and cleanliness are maintained at all times. Additionally, Culinary Leads help manage kitchen prep timing and inventory levels to maintain smooth operations during busy hours. This position offers a clear career pathway, with top performers often promoted to General Manager within 2-3 years, highlighting Sweetgreen's commitment to internal growth and leadership development.

Sweetgreen values a culture of pride in food consistency, teamwork, and innovation. Culinary Leads enjoy the benefits of competitive wages, paid time off, medical and dental options, and access to unique perks such as a team member merchandise shop and free meals each shift. This role is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced kitchens, appreciate quality food preparation, and want to play an important role in redefining the future of fast-casual dining. By joining Sweetgreen, Culinary Leads become part of a larger movement focused on better food, better communities, and better futures—for both employees and customers alike.