Culinary Lead: Elevate Quality in High-Volume Kitchens

sweetgreen; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Medical/Dental/Vision

Paid time off

Free meals

401(k)

Merch shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen, a national restaurant brand, seeks a Culinary Lead to own food quality, prep, and presentation across shifts in a fast-paced kitchen. You will set standards, train peers, and ensure consistent execution with smart systems and no grills or fryers.

This role emphasizes leadership without direct people-management, rapid feedback, and partnership with Shift Leaders to uphold safety and excellence in a fast casual environment. Growth paths to shift lead and manager are clear.

Qualifications

• Food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification)
• Must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week
• Must be 18 years of age or older; authorized to work in the United States

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets standards for flavor, safety, and presentation
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, tools, and ovens
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve food execution
• Manage prep timing and par levels to handle volume
• Advocate for food quality on shift and fix issues quickly
• Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence

Skills

Food quality

Kitchen leadership

Peer training

High-volume kitchens

Tools

Knives

Ovens

Kitchen tools

Job description

Sweetgreen, a national restaurant brand, seeks a Culinary Lead to own food quality, prep, and presentation across shifts in a fast-paced kitchen. You will set standards, train peers, and ensure consistent execution with smart systems and no grills or fryers.

This role emphasizes leadership without direct people-management, rapid feedback, and partnership with Shift Leaders to uphold safety and excellence in a fast casual environment. Growth paths to shift lead and manager are clear.