Culinary Lead: Quality-Focused Kitchen Leader

Sweetgreen; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips (subject to location)

Competitive wages

Medical, dental, vision for part-time/

Paid vacation, wellness time, parental

Free meal each shift

401(k)

Merch Shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in Ann Arbor to uphold our food quality standards across all menu items. You will oversee prep, cooking, and presentation, acting as the go-to expert for food quality and kitchen execution.

This role emphasizes craft and coaching without direct people management, with a clear path to higher leadership roles as you demonstrate excellence. Join a team focused on real, fresh ingredients, smart systems, and a culture of quality.

Qualifications

• Food safety certification required (ServSafe or Food Handler)
• Leadership without people management
• Experience in high-volume kitchens preferred

Responsibilities

• Own food quality by meeting Sweetgreen standards for flavor, food safety, and presentation
• Prep and cook hot food using knives, kitchen tools, and ovens
• Provide real-time feedback to teammates to improve execution
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly
• Advocate for food quality on shift and fix issues quickly
• Partner with Shift Leaders to uphold food safety and cleanliness

Skills

Food quality

Coaching

Food safety

High-volume kitchen

Education

ServSafe certification

Food Handler certification

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in Ann Arbor to uphold our food quality standards across all menu items. You will oversee prep, cooking, and presentation, acting as the go-to expert for food quality and kitchen execution.

This role emphasizes craft and coaching without direct people management, with a clear path to higher leadership roles as you demonstrate excellence. Join a team focused on real, fresh ingredients, smart systems, and a culture of quality.