Senior Associate, Ops Systems

Senior Associate, Ops Systems Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid - 4 Days in Office) Department: Operations Services Reports To: Director, Operations Services About the Role We're looking for a detail-oriented and technically-savvy Senior Associate, Ops Systems to serve as a key partner in Sweetgreen's operations technology ecosystem.

This role owns our COGS management technology and prep applications while supporting all ops-facing business systems that power daily restaurant execution. You'll act as both a business owner of our inventory system, hot and cold prep apps and a systems specialist, ensuring our technology delivers operational excellence and empowers our teams to succeed.

The ideal candidate brings technical aptitude, and cross-functional collaboration experience, with a proven ability to translate field needs into actionable system improvements. This role serves as the voice of our coaches and team members, partnering closely with Operations, Technology, Finance, and external vendors to evaluate system enhancements, drive adoption across the fleet, and ensure smooth implementation of new tools and features.

This role requires both technical expertise and field presence—spending time in restaurants to understand workflows, validate system effectiveness, and gather feedback that shapes our operations technology strategy.

Key Responsibilities

COGS Systems & Technology Serve as the business owner of NetChef (Crunchtime), managing the vendor partnership, gathering field requirements, identifying opportunities for improvement, and partnering with technology teams to develop and implement enhancements Act as the company expert on managing COGS in the restaurant, providing system user support, diagnosing system issues, troubleshooting AvT variance and ordering questions, managing inventory setup tickets and error investigations, and assessing implications of changes and new initiatives Drive COGS AVT reduction through system optimization initiatives like Auto-Prep implementation and recipe data validation, and restaurant operational initiatives like inventory best practices and waste reduction behaviors  Lead adoption strategies and change management including field training, troubleshooting guides, and support escalations to drive proper NetChef usage and operator confidence across the fleet Prep Applications & Technology Serve as the business owner of hot and cold prep applications, identifying opportunities for improvement, gathering field requirements, and partnering with technology teams to develop and implement enhancements Act as the company expert on prep apps, diagnosing system issues, assessing implications of changes and new initiatives, and providing guidance to field and support teams Drive prep efficiency through application improvements like recipe integration, task management, and workflow optimization Lead adoption strategies and change management to increase prep app usage and operator confidence across the fleet Systems Support & Field Partnership Support all key ops-facing systems (NetChef, QSR, Brink, Gravy, Pacer, Hot Prep, Cold Prep, Salesforce) and assist with system administration, developing a comprehensive understanding of how systems interface with one another.

Represent the voice of coaches and team members, proactively identifying issues and opportunities to improve usability, efficiency, and overall impact on restaurant operations. Serve as a key liaison with internal engineering teams and external vendors to coordinate system rollouts and ensure smooth transitions with minimal disruption to restaurant teams.

Lead end-to-end testing for system changes, identifying blockers, documenting issues, and providing go/no-go recommendations while closing the feedback loop between the field and support center. Testing, Training & Enablement Develop, maintain, and distribute clear, effective training materials for all systems to support restaurant adoption, onboarding, and continuous improvement.

Lead change management activities including communications, training rollouts, and post-implementation support to ensure restaurant teams can effectively use operational systems.

Qualifications

2–4 years of experience in operations systems, business systems management, project management, or restaurant operations Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives across functions Experience with inventory systems preferred. Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a track record of driving system improvements Clear communicator who can translate technical concepts for field teams and gather detailed requirements from operators Comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on system administration and field work Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, Google Suite, and operations management systems Willingness to spend up to 20-30% of time in restaurants and travel to key markets as needed What You'll Bring A systems-thinking mindset paired with strong execution skills and follow-through Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining clarity and focus Strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn new systems quickly A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to cross-functional work Curiosity and adaptability, with the humility to test, learn, and iterate based on field feedback A passion for operational excellence and empowering restaurant teams through technology   What you'll get: Highly competitive pay + bonus plan Three different medical plans to suit your and your family's needs Dental and Vision insurance Flexible PTO plan 401k program Employee HSA and FSA Complimentary greens An opportunity to make a real impact on the people around you, both by growing them and by connecting them to real food To live the sweetlife and celebrate your passion + purpose A collaborative team of people who live our core values and have your back A clear career path with opportunities for development, both personally and professionally Free sweetgreen swag   Come join the sweetlife!

About sweetgreen Sweetgreen is a national restaurant brand dedicated to building healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Since 2007, Sweetgreen has reimagined fast food to be fresh, flavorful, and rooted in relationships with farmers and communities. As we grow, we are committed to developing our people in our restaurants and at our support center, so that everyone can be part of the movement.

When you join Sweetgreen, you not only invest in your own future but help create spaces where food, people, and purpose come togetherSalary range for this role:Starting salary range based on experience$95,000—$111,000 USD    Sweetgreen provides equal opportunities for all employees and applicants, without regard to sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, any service in the uniformed services of the United States, or any other consideration protected by federal, state, or local law.   California residents: Review our applicant privacy notice HERE.   sweetgreen participates in the federal government's E-Verify program to determine employment eligibility.

To learn more about the E-Verify program, please click here.

Sweetgreen is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 2007 that has become a trailblazer in the healthy eating industry. With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and customizable salads and bowls, Sweetgreen has redefined the fast food experience. The company's commitment to sustainability and community partnerships has set it apart as a leader in the health-conscious food market.