
Job Overview
Compensation
Hourly
Exact $18.74
Benefits
Tips
Competitive wages
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid vacation
Wellness time
Parental leave
free meal
401(k)
Merchandise shop
Job Description
Sweetgreen is a prominent national restaurant brand committed to fostering healthier communities through genuine connections to fresh, wholesome food. Established in 2007, Sweetgreen has been a trailblazer in redefining the fast-food industry, focusing on delivering fresh and flavorful dishes that maintain strong ties to farmers and local communities. The company continues to expand, supporting growth and development opportunities for team members across its restaurants and corporate offices, allowing individuals to be integral parts of this transformative movement. Sweetgreen’s philosophy emphasizes equality and inclusivity, ensuring every employee and applicant is treated fairly regardless of gender, race, age, or any other protected status under the law. Additionally, Sweetgreen participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility and provides accommodations as required by law.
The Culinary Lead position, referred to internally as Kitchen Lead, is a critical role focused on maintaining the highest standards of food quality within Sweetgreen's kitchens. This is not a traditional managerial role; rather, it centers on being the food quality expert during every shift without the responsibilities of writing schedules or conducting performance reviews. Culinary Leads are responsible for setting the benchmark in how food is prepped, cooked, and presented, ensuring every dish aligns with Sweetgreen’s strict standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional fast-food kitchens, Sweetgreen kitchens operate without grills or fryers, utilizing smart kitchen systems and real, quality ingredients to deliver healthy meals consistently. The Culinary Lead works closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain operational excellence in food safety and cleanliness. This role is excellent for those passionate about culinary craft, leadership in kitchen execution, training peers, and advancing their career without extensive people management duties. Successful Kitchen Leads often progress to General Manager within 2 to 3 years, showcasing the position as a powerful career stepping stone within Sweetgreen. This role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week, involves physical activity, and demands keen attention to detail regarding food quality and safety.
The Culinary Lead position, referred to internally as Kitchen Lead, is a critical role focused on maintaining the highest standards of food quality within Sweetgreen's kitchens. This is not a traditional managerial role; rather, it centers on being the food quality expert during every shift without the responsibilities of writing schedules or conducting performance reviews. Culinary Leads are responsible for setting the benchmark in how food is prepped, cooked, and presented, ensuring every dish aligns with Sweetgreen’s strict standards for flavor, safety, and presentation. Unlike traditional fast-food kitchens, Sweetgreen kitchens operate without grills or fryers, utilizing smart kitchen systems and real, quality ingredients to deliver healthy meals consistently. The Culinary Lead works closely with Shift Leaders and Managers to maintain operational excellence in food safety and cleanliness. This role is excellent for those passionate about culinary craft, leadership in kitchen execution, training peers, and advancing their career without extensive people management duties. Successful Kitchen Leads often progress to General Manager within 2 to 3 years, showcasing the position as a powerful career stepping stone within Sweetgreen. This role requires a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week, involves physical activity, and demands keen attention to detail regarding food quality and safety.
Job Requirements
- Meet all physical requirements for all roles within the Kitchen Lead career path, including Team Member
- comfortable working on your feet
- maintain attention to detail and environmental awareness during operations
- use touch to assess quality and complete detail-oriented tasks
- routinely handle items up to 5-25 lbs, and occasionally handle items 40-50 lbs
- food safety knowledge with Food Handler or ServSafe certification
- able to follow food safety, cleanliness, and quality standards
- must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week
- must be 18 years of age or older
- must be authorized to work in the United States
Job Qualifications
- Experience in high-volume kitchens such as fast casual, QSR, full service, or corporate dining
- food safety knowledge including Food Handler or ServSafe certification
- ability to provide real-time feedback and training to teammates
- strong attention to detail and environmental awareness
- passion for food quality, consistency, and clean execution
- commitment to kitchen leadership without full people management
Job Duties
- Own food quality by ensuring every item meets Sweetgreen’s standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation
- prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens with no flames or fryer oil
- help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback
- stay ahead of volume by managing prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly
- be the advocate for food quality on shift, spotting issues early and fixing them fast
- partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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