Culinary Lead - Quality-Driven Kitchen Expert

Sweetgreen; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Path to Shift Leader

Health insurance

Paid time off

Wellness time

Parental leave

Free meal

401(k)

Merchandise store

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Culinary Lead (Kitchen Lead) in Richmond, VA to uphold food quality, prep, and presentation across all shifts. You’ll lead by example, coaching teammates and ensuring consistent standards without direct people-management duties.

Join a fast-casual team committed to real food and high-volume excellence. Expect growth paths toward Shift Leader and Manager roles, with competitive wages and benefits for part- and full-time teammates.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets Sweetgreen’s standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens (no flames, no fryer oil)
• Help teammates improve food execution through real-time feedback
• Stay ahead of volume by managing 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, cleanliness, and operational excellence

Skills

Food safety

Quality control

Kitchen leadership

Coaching

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Culinary Lead (Kitchen Lead) in Richmond, VA to uphold food quality, prep, and presentation across all shifts. You’ll lead by example, coaching teammates and ensuring consistent standards without direct people-management duties.

Join a fast-casual team committed to real food and high-volume excellence. Expect growth paths toward Shift Leader and Manager roles, with competitive wages and benefits for part- and full-time teammates.