At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to prepare delicious food and ensure high standards.
- Company: Join Pret, a vibrant company with over 750 shops worldwide.
- Benefits: Earn £15.81 per hour, enjoy free food, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Diversity is celebrated; everyone is welcome at Pret!
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 32900 € per year.
We’re proud makers of delicious food, organic coffee and big ideas across 750+ shops in 20+ countries. Whether you’re making our customers’ days with the perfect latte or leading your team to success, roles in Pret shops come with huge opportunities for growth. Together we’re redoing the right thing and growing fast – it’s an exciting team to hop on board! This role is located in South Terminal IDL, Unit ACU06, Gatwick RH6 0NP GBR.
Growing Good Things Pret is where passionate, hardworking, wonderful people (like you!) find the confidence and skills they need to grow and choose their unique paths. And the proof is in the pudding – 80%+ of our managers and 20% of our Support Centre teams (including our CEO, Pano) started on the shop floor.
What we’re looking for
As a Kitchen Leader at Pret a Manger, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the consistent preparation of delicious food that meets our high standards, while leading and inspiring your team to deliver excellence every day. You’ll act as a role model, promoting Pret’s core values and maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen environment. With a sharp eye for detail, you’ll manage stock counts and complete administrative tasks accurately to support smooth operations. Working closely with Managers, you’ll help oversee shift performance, resolve issues quickly, and ensure every customer enjoys a fresh and satisfying experience.
About you
- Be kind, honest and generous: bring genuine warmth and your authentic self to work every day.
- Bring your passion: share our passion for exceptional customer service.
- Spread joy every day: small acts of kindness (like giving away a free coffee on the house) are a big part of what makes the Pret experience special.
Experience needed:
You lead with purpose—driving team performance, protecting profit, and keeping customers happy through high standards and great energy.
We offer
- Hourly rate is £15.81 (inclusive of mystery shopper bonus).
- After initial training, earn an extra £5 per hour for any shift started between 3-5am.
- 28 days annual leave (pro-rata if you're part-time).
- Pension scheme, Life Assurance at 3x annual salary & virtual GP Healthcare cash plan.
- Free food and drink while you’re working.
- Club Pret Membership (giving you 50% off food and to 5 free Barista‑made drinks a day).
- Loyalty award after 5, 10, 15, 20 years’ service.
- Regular rewards and recognition for amazing standards.
- Access marketplace discounts on shopping, travel, fitness, dining, tech and more.
- Flexible working hours, means you have the time to do what’s important to you.
- Comfy free shoes to wear on shift.
We also offer
- Individual ways to grow: We offer lots of opportunities for learning, whether you join us for a short stint or the long game, you’re good to grow with us. Including fully funded professional qualifications – apprenticeships Level 3 and internal transfer opportunities to explore.
- Diversity and belonging: Everyone is welcome at Pret, we want you to feel confident and valued for who you are and to truly belong.
- Pace and variety: Our work is fast paced with lots of variety, you’ll build a diverse skill set and learn a lot!
- Community and purpose: We’re proud to make a difference through The Pret Foundation, from tackling homelessness to reducing food waste and creating positive change for people and communities.
Our values
- Happy Teams
- Happy Customers
- Amazing Standards Every day
- Never Standing Still
- Doing The Right Thing
The interview journey
Every interview process at Pret begins with the same two stages. Initial phone screening and 60‑minute shop‑based interview with the General Manager and the team. Everyone is welcome at Pret. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, people with disabilities, neurodiversity, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Please let our recruitment team know if you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process – your experience matters to us.
We’d love to get to know you, not a robot, so please do not rely on AI to complete your application.
Kitchen Leader - Gatwick Airport in Guildford employer: Pret A Manger
At Pret a Manger, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters growth and inclusivity. As a Kitchen Leader at Gatwick Airport, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, and a range of benefits including free food while on shift and opportunities for professional development. Join us in making a positive impact through our community initiatives while working alongside passionate individuals who share your commitment to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Leader - Gatwick Airport in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Pret's values and culture before your interview. This way, you can show how your own values align with theirs. It’s all about being genuine and showing that you’re a perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound like yourself, not a robot! Think about examples from your past that highlight your leadership skills and passion for customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
During the shop-based interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Show your interest in the role and the team. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and get a feel for the environment you’ll be working in.
✨Tip Number 4
After your interview, follow up with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice way to reinforce your interest in the Kitchen Leader position!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Leader - Gatwick Airport in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for food and customer service.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Kitchen Leader role. Use examples from your past jobs that demonstrate your leadership and teamwork abilities.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon to make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for Pret.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Know Your Pret Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Pret's core values. They’re all about happy teams and amazing standards, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase how you embody these values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Leader, you'll be expected to inspire and lead your team. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, resolved conflicts, or improved performance. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with Pret’s mission will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical scenarios during your shop-based interview. Think about how you would handle stock management, maintain kitchen cleanliness, or ensure food quality under pressure. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Bring Your Passion for Customer Service
Pret is all about exceptional customer service, so be prepared to discuss your passion for making customers happy. Share stories where you went above and beyond for a customer or how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment. This will show that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction in the role.
