Kitchen Lead - $17.63 per HOUR
Posted on October 24, 2025
Sweetgreen is a dynamic and innovative plant-forward food company dedicated to creating healthier communities by connecting people to real, wholesome food. Established with a vision for a healthier tomorrow, Sweetgreen emphasizes sustainability, quality, and community impact through its thoughtfully crafted menu offerings and commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. As one of the leading brands reshaping the future of fast casual dining, Sweetgreen continues to expand rapidly, attracting employees passionate about food, health, and evolving culinary experiences. Sweetgreen provides inclusive, equal opportunities for all employees and applicants, fostering diversity and belonging within the workplace. Its commitment extends beyond good food to the professional development of its team members, offering growth paths from kitchen and restaurant roles to support center positions. Working at Sweetgreen offers an immersive experience in a mission-driven company focused on both personal and environmental well-being. Joining Sweetgreen means contributing to the larger movement of sustainable food practices and healthier lifestyle choices while building a rewarding career.
The role of a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen is fundamental to maintaining the highest culinary standards and ensuring operational excellence in fast-paced, high-volume settings. As a Kitchen Lead, you will serve as an ambassador for Sweetgreen's mission by overseeing hot food preparation, guaranteeing that every guest receives top-quality, well-prepared, and attractively presented dishes. This position demands exceptional culinary skills combined with strong leadership and operational savvy. The Kitchen Lead is responsible for managing kitchen workflows, ensuring quality and food safety compliance, coordinating team activities, and maintaining clear and positive communication. This role requires the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and lead by example with a visible, hands-on approach.
Career growth opportunities abound for Kitchen Leads; those who perform at the highest level can advance to become General Managers within as little as 24 months. The role not only involves daily culinary execution but also inspires leadership development and continuous learning in kitchen management, time management, and quality control. Sweetgreen values team members who demonstrate attention to detail, commitment to quality, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Candidates with prior experience in kitchen or restaurant settings, knowledge of food safety practices, and the ability to work with kitchen management tools and inventory systems will thrive in this role.
This is a part-time to full-time role requiring a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week. The Kitchen Lead position offers competitive wages with potential for raises tied to skill acquisition. Sweetgreen supports the well-being of its employees by providing medical, dental, and vision plan options, paid vacation and wellness time, paid parental leave, a 401k plan, and additional perks such as free healthy meals during shifts and access to a custom gear marketplace. The inclusive work environment ensures that every team member is respected and empowered to grow professionally while contributing positively to both the company and the community. Sweetgreen's rigorous adherence to equal opportunity employment practices also includes participation in federal E-Verify verification and accommodations as required by law.
Becoming a Kitchen Lead at Sweetgreen is more than a job; it is a commitment to cultivating healthier food systems, inspiring teammates, and driving operational success within a vibrant, fast-growing company dedicated to making a positive impact on people and the planet.
- Meet all minimum requirements of the Team Member role
- Handling various items, including cases/bags of produce plus protein up to approximately 40 lbs
- Use touch to assess quality and complete detail-oriented tasks
- Maintain attention to detail and environmental awareness during operations
- Must be available to work a minimum of 30 hours per week
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be authorized to work in the United States