Chief Development Officer

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen

Administration
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Posted on Jan 22, 2026

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our organization's development initiatives, with a specific focus on design, construction, store development, site selections, and facilities management. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an expert in real estate and construction, and possess a track record of successful project execution.

You will:

  • Strategic Planning:
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligning with the company's overall objectives.
    • Provide strategic leadership in design, construction, store development, site selection, and facilities management.
  • Real Estate Management:
    • Oversee site selection processes, evaluating potential locations nationally (internationally) based on market analysis and business requirements.
    • Negotiate leases, purchase agreements, and other real estate transactions.
    • Manage the real estate portfolio and optimize space utilization.
  • Design and Construction:
    • Lead the design and construction teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of projects.
    • Collaborate with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality facilities.
    • Implement sustainable and innovative design practices.
  • Store Development:
    • Develop and execute strategies for expanding the company's store network.
    • Analyze market trends and consumer behavior to inform store development decisions.
    • Ensure that new stores align with brand standards and enhance the overall customer experience.
  • Facilities Management:
    • Oversee the maintenance and operational efficiency of existing facilities.
    • Implement best practices in facilities management to ensure safety, functionality, and cost-effectiveness.
    • Develop and manage budgets for facilities-related projects.

Desired traits:

  • Forward-thinking, collaborative, and highly experienced Executive leader who will be responsible for driving company results
  • Exceptional and diverse set of experiences, seasoned and mature point of view
  • Energy, drive, creativity, and agility to operate within a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment
  • Candidates must be willing to relocate to the Greater Los Angeles area

Desired experience:

  • 10+ years of experience at the CDO level is preferred
  • 5+10 years of executive-level experience leading teams (including virtual and remote teams)
  • Exceptional executive presence, business acumen, and presentation skills
  • Budgeting and a financially focused mindset
  • Good track record in handling and successfully delivering on a high volume of complex projects and tasks
  • Clear and concise communication style that can effectively convey ideas written and verbally
  • Have a point of view, and able to offer a unique perspective and voice

What you’ll get:

  • Competitive pay + bonus plan based on performance
  • Health, dental + vision insurance
  • 401k
  • Flexible PTO, because we respect the need for work/life harmony
  • 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 family 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
  • Complimentary sweetgreen
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.
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