Kitchen Leader

Chipotle Mexican Grill; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 23,970 - 26,656; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Free food

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Digital Tips

Paid time off

Holiday closures

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

A popular fast-casual restaurant in Columbia, Maryland is seeking a Kitchen Leader to oversee kitchen operations, train team members, and maintain high food quality standards. You will be responsible for food preparation, kitchen cleanliness, and developing the next generation of leaders within the team. The ideal candidate will have restaurant experience and a passion for excellent food service. Competitive compensation and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand and articulate Chipotle’s Food With Integrity philosophy.
• Knowledge of the primary language(s) of the work location.
• Restaurant experience is a must.

Responsibilities

• Ensure food quality by cooking and prepping food.
• Monitor food waste and inventory levels.
• Develop Crew members to be future Kitchen Leaders.
• Communicate effectively with Crew and customers.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Understanding Chipotle’s Food With Integrity philosophy

Ability to communicate effectively

Restaurant experience

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Join to apply for the Kitchen Leader role at Chipotle Mexican Grill.

CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD

Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast‑food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and sauté vegetables. You are responsible for making sure our food is absolutely delicious. You’ll order the food and train others to become future Kitchen Leaders.

The Kitchen Leader helps ensure the quality and safety of Chipotle’s delicious food every day. They keep the kitchen clean, organized and well stocked; maintain equipment in good condition; and serve as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, the role is about promoting teamwork and creating a great customer experience. While on the clock, the Kitchen Leaders are always busy on their feet, accomplishing station goals, tackling tasks that need to be completed, and pitching in to help teammates.

What You’ll Do

• Ensuring food quality by cooking and prepping food to order, and following kitchen procedures
• Monitoring food waste and inventory levels, and resolving food quality issues
• Supporting a strong team dynamic between back of house Crew and front of house Crew
• Developing Crew members to be future Kitchen Leaders
• Communicating with Crew members and customers effectively in order to ensure great customer service and throughput
• Ensuring the kitchen is properly cleaned and sanitized
• Monitoring kitchen equipment and ensuring it is kept in good repair; making sure malfunctioning equipment is repaired as quickly as possible
• Ensuring that the kitchen itself and all Crew members meet the necessary guidelines to ensure there are no injuries or accidents
• Filling out Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Inventory Rotation (FIFO)

What You’ll Bring To The Table

• Have the ability to understand and articulate Chipotle’s Food With Integrity philosophy
• Have the knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location
• Have a high school diploma
• Have restaurant experience

What’s In It For You

• Tuition assistance (100% coverage for select degrees or up to $5,250/year)
• Free food (yes, really FREE)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Digital Tips
• Paid time off
• Holiday closures
• Competitive compensation
• Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew)

PAY TRANSPARENCY

Base pay range: $17.40–$19.35. Actual base pay may vary depending on skill level, experience and/or education. In addition to base pay, Chipotle offers a competitive benefits package. Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits for more details.

Who We Are

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. As a people‑first company rooted in values, our purpose extends beyond serving nutritious food using real ingredients. It means hiring world‑class individuals and fostering a culture that champions diversity, ensures equity, and celebrates inclusion. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [e-mail] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non‑accommodation related requests.