Culinary Lead: Quality Kitchen Maestro & Growth Path

Sweetgreen; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips

Competitive wages

Shift leader path

Medical/dental/vision

Paid vacation

Wellness time

Parental leave

Free meal

401(k)

Merch Shop

Job summary

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in Burlingame, CA. You will be the food quality expert, owning prep, cooking, and presentation with a focus on consistency and safety. This role emphasizes leadership through craft and coaching rather than formal people management.

You will work in a high-volume kitchen with smart systems and no grill/oil fryers, advancing toward Shift Leader and Manager roles. Compensation is $21.43/hour plus benefits for eligible team members.

Qualifications

• Food quality standards and presentation are the focus of this role.
• Experience in high-volume kitchens (fast casual, QSR, or similar) is preferred.
• Ability to train peers and lead by example without formal scheduling responsibilities.

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.
• Manage prep timing and par levels to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Be the advocate for food quality on shift and fix issues quickly.
• Partner with Shift Leaders and Managers to uphold food safety, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

Skills

Food quality

Leadership (non-manager)

Coaching

Job description

Sweetgreen is seeking a Kitchen Lead in Burlingame, CA. You will be the food quality expert, owning prep, cooking, and presentation with a focus on consistency and safety. This role emphasizes leadership through craft and coaching rather than formal people management.

You will work in a high-volume kitchen with smart systems and no grill/oil fryers, advancing toward Shift Leader and Manager roles. Compensation is $21.43/hour plus benefits for eligible team members.