Kitchen Leader - Join the Team!
Posted on October 24, 2025
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is a leading fast-casual restaurant company known for its commitment to serving responsibly sourced, real food prepared with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Established as a disruptor in the traditional fast-food market, Chipotle has consistently prioritized quality, sustainability, and innovation over speed alone. With a presence spanning the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, Chipotle uniquely owns and operates all of its restaurants in North America and Europe, underscoring its dedication to maintaining high standards across every location. The company is passionate about cultivating a better world by promoting sustainable farming and food practices, while continuously evolving to meet the needs of its customers and the planet. Chipotle’s brand strength is rooted in its inclusive culture, employee growth opportunities, and technological advancements, making it a great place to work and grow a career in the food industry.
The Kitchen Leader role at Chipotle is an exciting leadership position within the restaurant that offers hands-on food preparation, staff development, and operational responsibilities. This role is perfect for individuals who are passionate about food quality, customer service, and team leadership in a fast-paced environment. As a Kitchen Leader, you will be actively involved in preparing Chipotle’s delicious menu items, such as grilling meats and sautéing vegetables, ensuring every dish meets the company’s high standards. You will play a key part in maintaining kitchen safety and cleanliness, managing inventory and food waste, and upholding equipment maintenance. The position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting teammates, contributing to an efficient, positive work atmosphere.
Beyond the technical skills, this role serves as a critical bridge between back-of-house and front-of-house teams, fostering collaboration and communication to ensure excellent customer experiences. You will also be responsible for training and mentoring crew members, helping develop the next generation of Kitchen Leaders. Chipotle supports its employees with comprehensive benefits such as tuition assistance, free meals, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, holiday closures, and competitive pay. The company’s commitment to career advancement is evident as 80% of managers started as crew members, highlighting the potential for growth from within.
This role is offered as a full-time position with a base pay ranging from $21.25 to $23.65 per hour, along with eligibility for digital tips. Chipotle prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer that values diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization. They encourage applications from all qualified individuals and provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure a fair and accessible hiring process. If you are ready to join a forward-thinking team that is changing the fast-food landscape while cultivating a better, more sustainable world, the Kitchen Leader role at Chipotle is an outstanding opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact.
                - High school diploma
 - Restaurant experience
 - Ability to understand and articulate Chipotle's Food With Integrity philosophy
 - Knowledge and ability to speak, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the work location