Santa Clara - Kitchen Lead

Sweetgreen is a nationally recognized restaurant brand that has been dedicated to transforming the fast food industry since its inception in 2007. The company focuses on creating healthier communities by connecting people to real, fresh food sourced from trusted farmers and local producers. Sweetgreen's mission centers on promoting sustainability, flavor, and community-driven relationships while innovating how fast food is perceived and experienced across the United States. As a fast-casual restaurant, Sweetgreen has carved out a unique space that emphasizes clean eating, environmentally responsible practices, and thoughtfully prepared meals free from traditional fast food cooking methods involving grills or fryers. Sweetgreen prioritizes growth and development within its team, offering clear career pathways and training that empowers employees to advance into leadership roles. With an inclusive workplace culture, Sweetgreen commits to diversity and equitable hiring, providing equal opportunities regardless of gender, age, race, disability, or veteran status, ensuring that all team members can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the company’s vibrant community. The company also complies with all federal and local employment laws, including the federal E-Verify program to establish employment eligibility, highlighting its dedication to legal and ethical hiring practices. Sweetgreen offers robust benefits, including paid vacation, wellness time, medical options, and employee discounts, geared toward fostering a supportive work environment for both part-time and full-time employees. The Culinary Lead position, known internally as Kitchen Lead, plays a critical role in maintaining Sweetgreen's commitment to excellence. This position is integral in upholding food quality standards and ensuring that every dish prepared meets the company's high standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional kitchen leadership roles, this is not a people management position — team scheduling and employee evaluations are handled separately. Instead, the Culinary Lead is the food quality expert, setting the bar and leading by example for culinary craftsmanship, consistency, and team coaching on food prep and kitchen execution. Kitchen Leads collaborate closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to ensure food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards are met smoothly and efficiently. This role demands a person who is passionate about great food, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment without the use of grills or fryers. Importantly, it offers a great entry point for those interested in career growth within the restaurant industry, with top performers having a clear progression toward General Manager positions within two to three years. Sweetgreen emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and a supportive culture that encourages ongoing learning and leadership development. The company offers competitive wages, eligibility for tips depending on location, and access to benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance for both part-time and full-time team members. Additional perks include a free meal each shift, a 401(k) plan, and the opportunity to purchase exclusive Sweetgreen merchandise. Working as a Culinary Lead at Sweetgreen means joining a movement that is reshaping fast food by focusing on real food done right, smart kitchen systems, and a team-oriented atmosphere geared toward quality and excellence. This role is perfect for candidates who enjoy hands-on kitchen work, aspire to develop leadership skills without full people management responsibilities, and are excited about continuous improvement, training peers, and contributing to an innovative fast-casual dining experience.