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Kitchen Leader

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $21.25 - $23.65
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Tuition Assistance
Free Food
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Digital Tips
Paid Time Off
holiday closures
competitive compensation
Opportunities for advancement

Job Description

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is a leader in the fast-casual dining sector, committed to cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food made with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Established with a mission to make better food accessible to everyone, Chipotle stands out by offering an elevated fast-food experience that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and innovation. With restaurants across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Chipotle is unique among large restaurant companies for owning and operating all its locations in North America and Europe. This commitment enables consistent quality control and a unified brand experience internationally. The company is also renowned for its people-first culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it an attractive workplace for individuals passionate about food and community impact.

As a Kitchen Leader at Chipotle, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards that define the Chipotle experience. This full-time position involves hands-on food preparation, including grilling meats and sautéing vegetables to ensure that every dish served is delicious and prepared according to established safety and quality protocols. You will also be responsible for managing kitchen inventory, minimizing food waste, and ensuring the kitchen remains clean, organized, and well-stocked. Beyond technical skills, you will serve as a role model and mentor to Crew members, guiding team members to develop their skills and grow into future Kitchen Leaders themselves. This leadership role demands active engagement on the floor, supporting teamwork between back-of-house and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth operations and an excellent customer experience.

The Kitchen Leader must also be vigilant about food safety and equipment maintenance. This includes monitoring kitchen equipment condition, ensuring quick repair of any malfunctioning tools, and adhering to safety guidelines aimed at preventing injuries or accidents. You will also be responsible for completing essential documentation, such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Inventory Rotation (FIFO) checklists. Chipotle offers a supportive environment where Kitchen Leaders can develop their culinary and leadership skills, with ample opportunities for advancement. Competitive pay ranges from $21.25 to $23.65 per hour, supplemented with digital tips. Chipotle’s benefits package is comprehensive, including tuition assistance for eligible degrees, free food while on shift, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holiday closures.

Joining Chipotle means becoming part of a company dedicated not only to delivering exceptional food experiences but also to advancing sustainable practices in farming and food production. The Kitchen Leader position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about real food, team development, and leadership in a fast-paced but values-driven environment.

Job Requirements

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • possess previous restaurant experience
  • demonstrate ability to understand and articulate company food philosophy
  • have knowledge and ability to communicate in the primary language(s) of the work location
  • be capable of performing physical tasks involved in kitchen operations
  • maintain adherence to food safety and sanitation standards
  • be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • previous restaurant experience
  • ability to understand and articulate Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy
  • knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location
  • strong communication and leadership skills
  • ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • commitment to food safety and quality standards

Job Duties

  • Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order and following kitchen procedures
  • monitoring food waste and inventory levels and resolving food quality issues
  • supporting a strong team dynamic between back of house crew and front of house crew
  • developing crew members to be future kitchen leaders
  • communicating with crew members and customers effectively in order to ensure great customer service and throughput
  • ensuring the kitchen is properly cleaned and sanitized
  • monitoring kitchen equipment and ensuring it is kept in good repair
  • making sure malfunctioning equipment is repaired as quickly as possible
  • ensuring that the kitchen itself and all crew members meet the necessary guidelines to ensure there are no injuries or accidents
  • filling out material safety data sheets (MSDS) and inventory rotation (FIFO)

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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