Culinary Lead: Elevate Quality & Kitchen Execution

sweetgreen; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips where applicable

Competitive wages

Paid vacation and parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision options

Free meal every shift

401(k)

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Culinary Lead to drive food quality and kitchen execution on every shift. You will set the standard for how food is prepped, cooked, and presented, leading by example through craft, coaching, and consistency.

This is not a people manager role, but you will guide peers to uphold high standards and strong teamwork. You’ll work in a fast-paced kitchen with smart systems, ensuring items meet Sweetgreen’s flavor and safety standards while supporting smooth shift operations and

Qualifications

• Food safety knowledge and hygiene practices.
• Strong attention to detail in prep, cooking and plating.
• Ability to train peers and share best practices.
• Commitment to consistent quality and presentation.
• Experience in high‑volume kitchen environments.

Responsibilities

• Own food quality and ensure items meet 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 execution.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Advocate for food quality on shift and fix issues quickly.
• Partner with Shift Leaders to uphold food safety and operations.

Skills

Food safety

Attention to detail

Team training

Quality assurance

Culinary execution

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Culinary Lead to drive food quality and kitchen execution on every shift. You will set the standard for how food is prepped, cooked, and presented, leading by example through craft, coaching, and consistency.

This is not a people manager role, but you will guide peers to uphold high standards and strong teamwork. You’ll work in a fast-paced kitchen with smart systems, ensuring items meet Sweetgreen’s flavor and safety standards while supporting smooth shift operations and