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Kitchen Leader

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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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 rapidly growing fast-casual restaurant known for cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced and classically cooked real food. Established as a pioneering leader in the food industry, Chipotle has set itself apart by committing to using wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The company's footprint spans multiple countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Unlike many other chains of its size, Chipotle owns and operates all of its restaurants in North America and Europe, enabling tight control over its food quality and customer experience. With a passionate team dedicated to serving great guests and continuing innovation in digital, technology, and sustainable business practices, Chipotle is on a mission to make better food accessible to everyone while driving positive change in the food and farming industry.

The role of Kitchen Leader at Chipotle is a unique opportunity for individuals eager to develop culinary skills and leadership within a dynamic fast-casual setting. Kitchen Leaders learn hands-on how to prepare delicious food, including grilling meats and sautéing vegetables, with a strong focus on maintaining the quality and safety of every meal served. This position is not just about cooking; it involves managing kitchen operations including ordering food, ensuring cleanliness, organizing inventory, and maintaining kitchen equipment to the highest standards. As a role model for crew members, Kitchen Leaders are also responsible for training and developing fellow team members to become future leaders themselves. The position requires a proactive, team-oriented attitude where the Kitchen Leader actively pitches in to support teammates and continuously contributes to creating a positive and efficient work environment.

Beyond food preparation, the Kitchen Leader supports teamwork across both back of house and front of house crews, ensuring effective communication and exceptional customer service. They are entrusted with upholding Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy — a commitment to transparency and quality in sourcing and serving real food. This full-time role offers competitive compensation along with benefits including tuition assistance, free meals, medical, dental and vision insurance, digital tips, paid time off, and holiday closures. Chipotle is proud to promote from within, with 80 percent of its managers having started in crew roles, making the Kitchen Leader position a significant stepping stone for career advancement.

The company places a high value on diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to foster a culture where all employees feel valued and empowered. Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities, ensuring a welcoming hiring process. Joining Chipotle means more than taking on a job - it means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that is shaping the future of fast-casual dining and sustainable food practices worldwide, all while delivering an enjoyable and fulfilling work experience for its crew members.

Job Requirements

  • Have a high school diploma
  • Have restaurant experience
  • Be able to understand and articulate Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy
  • Have the knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location

Job Qualifications

  • Have the ability to understand and articulate Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy
  • Have the knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location
  • Have restaurant experience
  • Have strong communication and leadership skills
  • Be able to work effectively as part of a team
  • Have basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety practices

Job Duties

  • Ensure food quality by cooking and prepping food to order and following kitchen procedures
  • Monitor food waste and inventory levels and resolve food quality issues
  • Support a strong team dynamic between back of house Crew and front of house Crew
  • Develop Crew members to be future Kitchen Leaders
  • Communicate with Crew members and customers effectively to ensure great customer service and throughput
  • Ensure the kitchen is properly cleaned and sanitized
  • Monitor kitchen equipment and ensure it is kept in good repair and malfunctioning equipment is repaired quickly
  • Ensure the kitchen and all Crew members meet safety guidelines to prevent injuries or accidents
  • Fill out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Inventory Rotation (FIFO)

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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