Kitchen Leader

Chipotle Mexican Grill; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 29,274 - 32,580; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Free food

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

A leading fast-food company is seeking a Kitchen Leader in Poway, California. In this role, you will prepare food, train future Kitchen Leaders, and ensure a clean and efficient kitchen environment. If you have restaurant experience and a passion for quality food, this position offers competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to order and follow kitchen procedures.
• Monitor food waste and inventory levels.
• Develop crew members to become future Kitchen Leaders.
• Ensure kitchen is cleaned and sanitized.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and address malfunctions.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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

Chipotle Mexican Grill is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. We strive to change the face of fast food by starting conversations and supporting initiatives that shift the future of farming and food.

The Opportunity

As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, sauté vegetables, and ensure every dish is absolutely delicious. You’ll be responsible for ordering supplies, training future Kitchen Leaders, and maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient kitchen environment. You will model teamwork, deliver great customer experiences, and support crew both in and out of the kitchen.

What You’ll Do

• Ensure food quality by cooking and prepping food to order and following kitchen procedures.
• Monitor food waste and inventory levels and resolve any food quality issues.
• Support a strong team dynamic between back‑of‑house crew and front‑of‑house crew.
• Develop crew members to become future Kitchen Leaders.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and customers to ensure great service and throughput.
• Ensure the kitchen is properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and keep it in good repair; promptly address malfunctioning equipment.
• Ensure the kitchen and all crew members meet safety guidelines to prevent injuries or accidents.
• Complete Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Inventory Rotation (FIFO) as required.

What You’ll Bring To The Table

• Ability to understand and articulate Chipotle’s Food With Integrity philosophy.
• Proficiency in the primary language(s) of the work location, able to speak, write, and understand it.
• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Restaurant experience.

What’s In It For You

• Tuition assistance (100% coverage for select degrees or up to $5,250/year).
• Free food.
• 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: $21.25–$23.65 per hour. Pay may vary based on skill level, experience, and education. Digital tips and a comprehensive benefits package are also available.

Who We Are

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) serves responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food worldwide. With locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Chipotle leads the industry as a brand grounded in sustainability, technology, and purpose.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. 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 accommodation due to a disability.

Job Details

Seniority level: Not applicable.

Employment type: Full‑time.

Job function: Management and Manufacturing.

Industry: Restaurants.