Sweetgreen Hiring Kitchen Lead in Manhattan for $18.21 an Hour

Sweetgreen has listed a full-time Kitchen Lead vacancy at its Manhattan restaurant at 1321 1st Avenue, 10021, New York. The posting on JOB TODAY shows an hourly rate of $18.21, an immediate start, and 559 views at the time of publication on 15 October 2026.

Why it matters

For jobseekers already in New York or authorised to work in the US, this is a classic fast-casual kitchen leadership role without full people-management responsibility. You own quality on shift, not the rota.

General context: In brands like sweetgreen, a Kitchen Lead is the quality gatekeeper. You keep prep on time, par levels tight, and every bowl consistent. It's a good bridge if you love the line but want more ownership and a clearer route upwards. The listing itself notes that top-performing Kitchen Leads have a clear path to General Manager within 2-3 years, and that the role is a key step toward Shift Leader and Manager opportunities.

General context: Perks in this segment often include tips where allowed, a free meal on shift, and medical, dental and vision options depending on eligibility and hours. Those are mentioned in this posting as eligibility-based benefits, alongside paid vacation, wellness time, parental leave, 401(k), and access to a team merch shop.

Key details

Here is what the posting actually states:

• Employer: Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG), fast-casual chain specialising in salads, warm grain bowls and protein plates
• Role: Kitchen Lead - Chef & Cook
• Location: 1321 1st Avenue, Manhattan, 10021, New York, NY
• Employment type: Full-time
• Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week
• Salary: $18.21 hourly
• Start: Immediate start
• Experience: Not required, but high-volume kitchen experience is welcomed (fast casual, QSR, full service or corporate dining)
• Age and authorisation: Must be 18 or older and authorised to work in the United States
• Core duties: Own food quality for flavour, food safety and presentation; prep and cook hot food to standard using knives, kitchen tools and ovens (no flames, no fryer oil); give real-time feedback to teammates; manage prep timing and par levels; act as food quality advocate on shift; partner with Shift Leaders and Managers on safety, cleanliness and operational excellence
• Physical and safety requirements: Comfortable working on your feet; attention to detail and environmental awareness; use touch to assess quality; routinely handle 5-25 lbs and occasionally 40-50 lbs; food safety knowledge (Food Handler or ServSafe certification); follow food safety, cleanliness and quality standards

What isn't listed: The posting does not specify a closing date, number of vacancies, or a fixed shift pattern. Treat it as rolling until filled.

How to apply

If you meet the basics and can work at the Manhattan site, here's how to go about it:

• Open the official listing: Go to the JOB TODAY posting for Kitchen Lead - sweetgreen - New York and read the full description.
• Check eligibility first: You must be 18+, able to work at least 30 hours a week on your feet, and authorised to work in the US. You'll need to meet food safety standards and be comfortable lifting as described.
• Prepare a short CV: Keep it to one page. Highlight high-volume kitchen work, knife skills, prep discipline, food safety certs (Food Handler / ServSafe if you have them), and any coaching of peers on new menu items.
• Apply via the platform: Use the Apply now button on JOB TODAY. Attach your CV and ensure your location and availability match Manhattan and the minimum hours.
• Follow up in person if practical: The address is 1321 1st Avenue, Manhattan. If you live nearby, a polite in-store check-in after applying can help, but don't disrupt service.
• Watch for common pitfalls: No fee is required to apply. If anyone asks for payment for a job, it's not legitimate. Also, tips and benefits noted are subject to location, role and eligibility — confirm during interview.

For candidates outside the US: this role requires US work authorisation. It is not listed as visa-sponsored.

Sweetgreen's kitchen model is built for consistency rather than open-flame cooking, so if you take pride in clean execution, tight par control and steady quality during rushes, this will suit you better than a traditional grill line.