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Kitchen Leader

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $15.55 - $17.31
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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. is a renowned leader in the fast-casual dining industry, celebrated for its commitment to serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients. Unlike typical fast-food chains, Chipotle prioritizes quality, freshness, and sustainability, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. With a strong presence in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Chipotle owns and operates all of its restaurants in North America and Europe, ensuring consistent customer experience and operational excellence across all locations.

At Chipotle, the philosophy of Food With Integrity drives every decision—from ingredient sourcing to customer service—shaping the future of fast food by elevating standards and pioneering sustainable business practices. The company is deeply invested in cultivating a better world by promoting healthy eating, supporting responsible farming initiatives, and leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers. As an employer, Chipotle champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture that values people at all levels and continuously nurtures teamwork and development opportunities.

The role of Kitchen Leader at Chipotle offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about food quality, leadership, and customer service to grow within an innovative and supportive work environment. Kitchen Leaders play a crucial role in ensuring that every meal served meets Chipotle’s high standards of quality and safety. They master the preparation of delicious meals—grilling meats, sautéing vegetables, and ensuring every ingredient is cooked to perfection. Beyond food preparation, Kitchen Leaders are responsible for maintaining an organized, clean, and well-stocked kitchen, overseeing equipment maintenance, and adhering strictly to health and safety regulations.

Moreover, Kitchen Leaders act as mentors and role models for Crew members, helping them develop their skills to become future leaders within the kitchen team. They foster strong communication between the back of house and front of house teams, promoting a seamless customer experience founded on teamwork and efficiency. By taking initiative and supporting their teammates, Kitchen Leaders ensure that operations run smoothly, guest satisfaction stays high, and Chipotle's mission of making better food accessible to all is realized.

The position is ideal for someone who is energetic, detail-oriented, and motivated by collaborative success. This role is not only about cooking—it’s about leading by example, driving a positive workplace culture, and embracing Chipotle’s values. Chipotle offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including tuition assistance, free food, medical, dental, and vision insurance, digital tips, paid time off, holiday closures, and ample opportunities for career advancement. With 80% of managers having started as Crew members, Kitchen Leader is a pivotal step toward a meaningful and rewarding career within the company.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma
  • 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

Job Qualifications

  • 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
  • High school diploma
  • Restaurant experience

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 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 and 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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