Culinary Lead: Food Quality & Kitchen Excellence

Sweetgreen; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Medical, dental, and vision options

Paid vacation, wellness time, and Par­

Free meal

Job summary

Sweetgreen in New York is seeking a Kitchen Lead (Culinary Lead) to own food quality, set prep and presentation standards, and lead by example in a fast-paced kitchen. This role emphasizes craftsmanship, coaching teammates, and consistent execution without direct people management.

You’ll work in a no-grills, no-fryers kitchen with smart systems and real food, with a clear path to general manager within 2–3 years for top performers.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume kitchens
• Strong food safety and presentation focus
• Willing to train peers and drive standards

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets standards for flavor, safety, and presentation
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens
• Help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly
• Be the advocate for food quality on shift, spotting issues early and fixing them fast
• Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety and operational excellence

Skills

Food quality

Kitchen leadership

Coaching

Tools

Knives

Ovens

Job description

Sweetgreen in New York is seeking a Kitchen Lead (Culinary Lead) to own food quality, set prep and presentation standards, and lead by example in a fast-paced kitchen. This role emphasizes craftsmanship, coaching teammates, and consistent execution without direct people management.

You’ll work in a no-grills, no-fryers kitchen with smart systems and real food, with a clear path to general manager within 2–3 years for top performers.