Culinary Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand that has transformed the fast-food industry by championing fresh, real food and connecting people to healthier eating choices. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has grown from a local eatery into a nationwide movement focused on serving flavorful, sustainable meals rooted in strong relationships with farmers and communities. Their innovative approach does not rely on conventional fast-food methods but instead embraces smart kitchen systems and thoughtful preparation techniques for high-quality foods without the use of grills or fryers. Sweetgreen is proud to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace culture, offering equal opportunities regardless of gender, race, age, disability, or other protected categories, and maintains a commitment to employee growth and development.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, is a pivotal position responsible for maintaining and elevating food quality within the kitchen. Unlike traditional management roles, this is not a people manager position, so responsibilities like scheduling or performance reviews are excluded. Instead, the Culinary Lead acts as the food quality expert and the standard-bearer for prepping, cooking, and presenting food every shift. They lead by example through expert craft, coaching team members on food execution, and ensuring consistency in food quality and presentation. This person is the go-to expert for kitchen execution and food standards, collaborating with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

The Culinary Lead role fits dynamic individuals who are passionate about kitchen work, food consistency, and quality. It offers a meaningful leadership opportunity without the full scope of people management, ideal for those who enjoy hands-on training and motivating peers while working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment such as fast casual or corporate dining. This role provides a clear growth path, positioning top performers for future advancement to General Manager roles within 2 to 3 years. Sweetgreen supports Culinary Leads with competitive wages, tips depending on location and role, medical and dental benefits for part-time and full-time employees, paid vacation and parental leave, and more. Working in Sweetgreen kitchens means engaging with innovative food preparation systems in a supportive environment that values passion for food and community impact. Joining Sweetgreen as a Culinary Lead means becoming an essential contributor to a transformational mission to rewrite the future of fast food while progressing in your culinary career.