Culinary Lead: Elevate Food Quality & Growth Path

sweetgreen; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Path to Shift Lead

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid vacation

Wellness time

Parental leave

Free meal every shift

401(k)

Merch Shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen where you own food quality, prep, and presentation during each shift. You lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency while not managing schedules or performance reviews.

You will collaborate with Shift Leaders to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence, with a clear path to shift leader/manager roles within a few years. This hands-on leadership role centers on real food done right.

Qualifications

• Must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the United States.
• Food safety knowledge with ServSafe or Food Handler certification required.
• Comfortable standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets Sweetgreen standards for flavor, safety, and presentation.
• Prep and cook hot foods to standard using knives and kitchen tools with no grills or fryers.
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve food execution.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to maintain smooth kitchen operation during peak volumes.
• Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Quality control

Team coaching

Kitchen prep

Education

ServSafe certification

Tools

Sanitation equipment

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen where you own food quality, prep, and presentation during each shift. You lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency while not managing schedules or performance reviews.

You will collaborate with Shift Leaders to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence, with a clear path to shift leader/manager roles within a few years. This hands-on leadership role centers on real food done right.