Culinary Lead: Quality-Driven Kitchen Leader

sweetgreen; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Growth path

Healthcare

Paid time off

Free meals

401(k)

Merchandise shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen in the United States seeks a Culinary Lead (Kitchen Lead) to own food quality, prep, cook, and presentation across shifts. You’ll lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency, without writing schedules or reviews.

You’ll ensure standards, mentor peers, and manage par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly. This role offers a clear path to further leadership opportunities within the Sweetgreen system.

Qualifications

• Meet all physical requirements for Kitchen Lead roles and be comfortable on your feet.
• Maintain attention to detail and environmental awareness during operations.
• Use touch to assess quality and complete detail-oriented tasks.
• Routinely handle items up to 25 lbs, occasionally 40–50 lbs.
• Food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe).
• Able to follow food safety, cleanliness and quality standards.
• Must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• Must be 18+ and authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring items meet standards for flavor and presentation.
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, tools, and ovens (no flames).
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve food execution.
• Anticipate volume by managing prep timing and par levels.
• Advocate for food quality on shift and address issues quickly.
• Collaborate with Shift Leaders and Managers on food safety and operations.

Skills

Food quality

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

High-volume kitchens

Training peers

Attention to detail

Job description

Sweetgreen in the United States seeks a Culinary Lead (Kitchen Lead) to own food quality, prep, cook, and presentation across shifts. You’ll lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency, without writing schedules or reviews.

You’ll ensure standards, mentor peers, and manage par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly. This role offers a clear path to further leadership opportunities within the Sweetgreen system.