Shift Leader

Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand passionately dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Founded in 2007, Sweetgreen has revolutionized the concept of fast food by emphasizing fresh, flavorful ingredients rooted in strong relationships with farmers and local communities. As Sweetgreen continues to expand its presence across the United States, it remains deeply committed to fostering growth and development opportunities not only for its customers but also for its employees. The company strives to create a workplace culture that values inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect for all, ensuring everyone, regardless of background or identity, has a chance to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their mission. This commitment extends to offering equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, veteran status, or any federally, state, or locally protected aspect. Sweetgreen's vision is to change the future of fast food into something more wholesome, sustainable, and community-oriented, all while helping individuals lead healthier lives through mindful eating habits.

The Shift Leader role at Sweetgreen plays a pivotal part in this vision by guiding the restaurant team and supporting daily operations with a hospitality-first mindset. As a Shift Leader, you embrace leadership responsibilities that ensure every guest feels welcomed, cared for, and appreciated. Your role includes managing the pace and priorities of the restaurant floor to maintain efficient, smooth service that upholds Sweetgreen’s high standards of food quality and guest experience. Beyond overseeing operations, this leadership position requires hands-on engagement — working alongside team members on any station when needed to model top-tier performance and teamwork.

This role is not just about maintaining daily restaurant functionality; it’s about inspiring and coaching team members to elevate their skills and uphold operational excellence, including strict adherence to food safety, cleanliness, and accuracy standards. You are expected to communicate clearly, solve problems swiftly, and effectively handle high-pressure situations to create an enjoyable and seamless experience for guests and staff alike. Working at Sweetgreen as a Shift Leader is also a valuable stepping stone for career advancement; the company offers a clear path to General Manager within approximately two years for top performers, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals aspiring to grow into long-term restaurant management and leadership positions.

Sweetgreen values leaders who have prior supervisory experience in fast-paced environments such as restaurants, retail, or hospitality. Ideal candidates are those who care deeply about hospitality, food quality, and operational excellence, and who find joy in motivating others and building strong, positive team cultures. Staying organized, calm, and solution-focused under pressure is crucial, as is a strong sense of accountability, dependability, and attention to detail. Working at Sweetgreen also comes with numerous perks, including competitive wages, eligibility for tips depending on location and role, medical and dental insurance options for both part-time and full-time employees, paid vacation and parental leave, free meals during shifts, 401(k) plans, and a team member merchandise shop to earn and purchase branded gear.

This employment opportunity typically requires at least 30 hours per week for candidates who are 18 years or older and authorized to work in the United States. Sweetgreen strongly encourages applicants who wish to contribute to their mission of connecting communities and real food through energetic and compassionate leadership. By joining Sweetgreen as a Shift Leader, you not only invest in your career and personal growth but also become an invaluable part of a movement dedicated to reimagining fast food for a healthier future.