Culinary Lead: Elite Kitchen Quality & Growth

Sweetgreen; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Medical benefits

Paid vacation

Free meal

401(k)

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead to own food quality, prep, and presentation across every shift. This role leads by example through craft, coaching, and consistency in a fast-casual setting.

You will set standards for food safety, partner with Shift Leaders, and drive operational excellence without direct people management. There is clear growth toward General Manager within 2–3 years.

Qualifications

• Food quality is the priority; ensure every item meets standards for flavor, safety, and presentation.
• Ability to coach teammates and improve food execution in real time.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Kitchen Lead role emphasizes leadership without full people management.

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring items meet standards.
• Prep and cook hot food using knives, tools, and ovens (no grills/oil).
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates on food execution.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to prevent bottlenecks.
• 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

Team training

High-volume kitchen

Tools

Knives and ovens

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead to own food quality, prep, and presentation across every shift. This role leads by example through craft, coaching, and consistency in a fast-casual setting.

You will set standards for food safety, partner with Shift Leaders, and drive operational excellence without direct people management. There is clear growth toward General Manager within 2–3 years.