Culinary Lead — Precision Kitchen Quality & Craft

Sweetgreen; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips vary by location

Competitive wages

Path to Shift Leader / Manager

Medical, dental, and vision options

Paid vacation, wellness time, and ParE

Free meal every shift

401(k)

Sweetgreen gear

Job summary

Sweetgreen in Philadelphia is seeking a Kitchen Lead who owns food quality, prep, and presentation. You set the standard on the line and lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency.

This role emphasizes hands-on culinary leadership without formal people management, with opportunities to grow into a Shift Leader and beyond as you help the team execute fast-casual service across busy shifts.

Qualifications

• Must have food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification).
• Comfortable standing for long periods and able to lift up to 40–50 lbs occasionally.
• Available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the United States.
• Experience in high-volume kitchens (fast casual, QSR, full service, or corporate dining) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets Sweetgreen standards for flavor, safety, and presentation.
• Prep and cook hot food using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens (no grills/oil fryers).
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve food execution.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Be the go-to person for food quality on shift and uphold food safety and cleanliness.

Skills

Food safety awareness

Quality control

Team coaching

Communication

Job description

Sweetgreen in Philadelphia is seeking a Kitchen Lead who owns food quality, prep, and presentation. You set the standard on the line and lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency.

This role emphasizes hands-on culinary leadership without formal people management, with opportunities to grow into a Shift Leader and beyond as you help the team execute fast-casual service across busy shifts.