Culinary Lead — Elevate Food Quality & Kitchen Execution

Sweetgreen; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Medical, dental, and vision options

Paid vacation, wellness time, and PAR0

Free meal every shift

401(k)

Team Member Merch Shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen, a national restaurant brand, is seeking a Kitchen Lead to ensure top food quality and kitchen execution across shifts. You’ll own prep, cooking, and presentation standards, guiding teammates by example without managing schedules.

In this role, you’ll stay ahead of volume, coach peers, uphold food safety, and partner with shift leaders to deliver consistent, high-quality meals. No grills or fryers—modern kitchen systems power the operation.

Qualifications

• Must be able 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.
• Food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification).

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets standards for flavor, safety, and presentation.
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives and ovens (no grills).
• Help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback.
• Stay ahead of volume by managing prep timing and par levels.
• Be the advocate for food quality on shift and fix issues quickly.
• Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Food quality

Leadership (non-management)

Coaching

High volume kitchens

Food safety

Attention to detail

Team communication

Tools

Knives & kitchen tools

Job description

Sweetgreen, a national restaurant brand, is seeking a Kitchen Lead to ensure top food quality and kitchen execution across shifts. You’ll own prep, cooking, and presentation standards, guiding teammates by example without managing schedules.

In this role, you’ll stay ahead of volume, coach peers, uphold food safety, and partner with shift leaders to deliver consistent, high-quality meals. No grills or fryers—modern kitchen systems power the operation.