Kitchen Shift Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand committed to transforming the fast food industry by connecting communities to real, nutritious food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has reimagined what fast food can be, focusing on fresh ingredients, flavor-forward dishes, and sustainable partnerships with local farmers. The company prides itself on building healthier communities and fostering an inclusive culture where every employee can thrive and grow. Sweetgreen emphasizes development opportunities, creating a workplace where team members are empowered to progress their careers and contribute meaningfully to the brand's mission. The brand operates fast casual restaurant locations across the United States featuring kitchens equipped with smart systems, eschewing traditional grilling and frying in favor of healthier cooking methods.

The Culinary Lead role at Sweetgreen, also known as Kitchen Lead, is a vital contributor to the restaurant's mission of delivering quality, fresh food. Unlike traditional people management positions, this role focuses on food quality expertise and operational excellence within the kitchen. As the Culinary Lead, you are responsible for owning the entire food preparation process—from prep, cook, to presentation—ensuring every dish meets Sweetgreen's high standards for flavor, consistency, and food safety. This role requires leading by example, coaching teammates on craft and kitchen execution in real-time, and consistently upholding brand standards. While you won’t manage scheduling or performance reviews, you are the go-to expert for kitchen quality and act as the quality advocate during every shift.

The Culinary Lead works closely with Shift Leaders and Managers, partnering to maintain food safety protocols, cleanliness, and overall operational excellence. This role is well-suited for individuals who have experience working in high-volume kitchens across fast casual, quick service, full service, or corporate dining environments. The position offers a clear career path, with top performers often progressing to Shift Leader and General Manager roles within two to three years.

What sets this position apart is the unique kitchen environment at Sweetgreen—there are no grills or fryers involved. Instead, the operations rely on ovens and precise kitchen tools to prepare hot food safely and efficiently. The emphasis is on a clean, modern kitchen experience with smart systems enabling a smooth workflow.

Sweetgreen offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available to both part-time and full-time team members, including medical, dental, and vision options, paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, free meals every shift, 401(k), and exclusive access to a Team Member Merch Shop. Additionally, certain roles and locations offer tips as part of compensation.

If you are passionate about food quality, enjoy leadership roles without full managerial responsibilities, and want to be part of a movement that is reshaping fast food with a purpose-driven company, the Culinary Lead position at Sweetgreen is the perfect next step in your culinary career.