Culinary Lead: Quality-Driven Kitchen Mastery

sweetgreen; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Medical, dental, and vision options

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead to own food quality, prep, and execution across busy shifts. You will set standards for flavor, safety, and presentation, coaching teammates through real-time feedback.

This role emphasizes leadership without full people management and supports successful menu launches. Ideal candidates bring experience in high-volume kitchens, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to consistent, quality food.

Qualifications

• Must meet physical requirements for Kitchen Lead roles.
• Comfortable standing for long periods and moving quickly in a busy kitchen.
• Strong attention to detail and environmental awareness during operations.
• Food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification).

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by ensuring every item meets Sweetgreen's standards for flavor, safety, and presentation.
• Prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, tools, and ovens.
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve food execution.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to handle high volume.
• Be the on-shift advocate for food quality and quick problem resolution.

Skills

Food quality

Leadership (non-manager)

Mentoring teammates

Attention to detail

Education

Food Handler certification

Tools

Knives

Ovens

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead to own food quality, prep, and execution across busy shifts. You will set standards for flavor, safety, and presentation, coaching teammates through real-time feedback.

This role emphasizes leadership without full people management and supports successful menu launches. Ideal candidates bring experience in high-volume kitchens, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to consistent, quality food.