Kitchen Leader

Kitchen Leader

Des Plaines, Illinois 1361 Lee Street, 60018

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 see to it that the kitchen is clean, organized and well stocked; and that the equipment is properly maintained and in good condition. Throughout the process they are serving as a role model for Crew members, helping them learn to become future Kitchen Leaders. At its core, as with every position at Chipotle, it is about promoting teamwork and creating a great customer experience. While on the clock, the Kitchen Leaders are always busy on their feet, accomplishing their station's goals, taking on tasks that they see that need to get done, and pitching-in to help their 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

Below is the base pay range for this position, which is also eligible for digital tips. Actual base pay may vary depending on skill level, experience and/or education. In addition to base pay, Chipotle offers a competitive benefits package.

$16.35–$18.19

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. For more information or to place an order online, visit

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair employment practices at all levels of the organization without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. As a values-driven, people-first company, we are committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and have the opportunity to realize their full potential. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.

Job Restaurant Management Job Posting 02/11/2026 Job Number JR-2024-00007282