Head Of Digital Technology
We’re Pret: proud makers of freshly made food, organic coffee, and big ideas. Across 750+ shops and 20+ countries, our teams are shaping the future of Pret through innovation, inclusion, great customer service and a shared passion for doing the right thing. We’re growing fast on our mission to be the employer of choice in hospitality, everywhere we operate – so this an exciting time to hop on board.
We Believe in Growing Good Things
Growth is at the heart of everything we do. From the freshly hand-made food we create every day, to supporting our teams, we help our people grow in confidence, skills and to pursue their unique paths. Pret is where passionate, hardworking, wonderful people (like you!) find what they need to shine. And the proof is in the pudding – over 80% of our managers started on the shop floor! So did 20% of our Support Centre teams, including our CEO, Pano.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for passionate team players to bring joy to our customers every day. As a Head of Digital Technology, you’ll closely collaborate with the Product(Marketing Function)&DigitalEngineering(Technology Function)teamsto define priorities between new functionality and enablement work, oversee the operational aspectsof the software development process to ensure effective workflows, as well as conduct code reviews to maintain quality and encourage testing best practices. The role is an exciting blend of big picture thinking and hands on engineering support. You will have the ability to bring innovation, marketinsightsand challenge our teams to drive towards a globally scalable and efficient equity and franchise business.
The Head ofDigital Technology (andDigital Software Engineering)reports toadirectorlevel roleandis responsible forproviding a strategic vision and technology roadmap for the creation of digital products, placing a focus onhigh qualitycustomer Web and App propositions.
The role will require a strategic thinker who can align digital technology with business goals, drive digital product transformation, and enable Pret’s strategic Digital Engineering and Operations provider. The ideal candidate will be deeply technical with a blend of leadership skills, and business acumen. You will play a key part in Pret’s overall technology transformation in shaping the Digital and Martech Platforms that underpin Pret’s digital future to enable the expansion and creation of new digital propositions and digital marketing capabilities.
Key responsibilities
- In partnership with the Marketing Team develop and executes a digital andMarTechtechnology strategy to drive technical innovation and achieve business goals.
- Own the digital technology platform anddigital technologystrategy which will be a blend in house developed&SaaSproducts /applications.Forclaritythe role willbe responsible forthearchitecturaloversight, product and technology selection,implementationanddigitalengineeringteams.
- Overseea blend ofoutsourcedand Pret employed (FTC and contractor)engineers, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
- Evangelises the adoption of engineering best practices and ways of working
- Has the ability to dive into code whenrequired,demonstratinghands-on technicalexpertise.
- Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, effectively communicating technical concepts and strategic initiatives to non-technical audiences.
- Oversees the design, development, and implementation of scalable and reliable digital solutions, ensuring alignment with architectural principles and best practices.
- Supports the translation of business requirements into technical requirements and aiding the estimation,slicingand prioritization approach for teams
- Champions a culture of continuous learning and improvement, encouraging experimentation, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the engineering team.
- Drives digital product transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and business growth.
- Assesses and drives decisions on digital andMarTechtechnology investments, including SaaS products and the build vs. buy strategy, to ensureoptimalsolutions. You will work closely with the wider Technology team through these assessments.
- Stays abreast of emerging digital technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential impact on our business and make recommendations for adoption balancing the priority of features and technical enablers.
Experience and Skills required
- Experience working in the hospitality or retail sector isa must. Experience in planning and building solutions across an equity and franchise operating model is a bonus.
- A strong background in digital software development (having previously been a Head of Technology or Staff Software Engineer), specifically leading teams across front-end, back-end and mobile (ideally Node, React and for mobile Kotlin and Swift)
- Extensive experience driving extreme programming practices within an engineering team, instilling principles such as TDD, continuous delivery and pair programming.
- Experience building microservice applications hosted on the cloud. Knowledge of CI/CD and observability.
- Strong knowledge of software development, cybersecurity, and cloud.
- Self-motivated,passionateand driven individual who thrives working as part of a team. You will have a proven ability to lead and inspire a team of engineers – particularly working with offshore delivery & support teams.
- A desire for continuous improvement with an ability to align technology with businessobjectives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to guide critical issue resolution.
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 food and exceptional customer service.
- Spread joy every day: small acts of kindness are a big part of what makes the Pret experience special.
We offer
- Competitive Salary and 20% bonus potential
- Gold Card: We love making people’s day through our food and drinks. That goes for our teams too. That’s why everyone gets a Gold Card. When you’re in the office, your food and drinks are on us. And when you’re not, you can use your Gold Card to get up to 5 Barista-made drinks a day, and 50% off everything else (food, snacks, bottled drinks – the lot).
A few more perks
- You’ll get 33 days of annual leave (including flexible Bank Holidays), increasing to 38 days the longer you’re with us.
- Free private medical cover, with the option to add family or partner at an additional cost
- 4% of your pension contribution matched by Pret,rises to 5% after 5 years
- Life assurance at 3x annual salary
- Loyalty award for 5, 10, 15, 20 years’ service
- Flexible Benefits Platform packed with lifestyle discounts
- Season ticket loans
- Healthcare cash plan
- Financial wellbeing provisions
- Free mortgage services
- Sabbatical after 3 years
- Opportunities to support our charity, The Pret Foundation
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, leadership development and mentoring.
- 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. First, you’ll have a relaxed 30-minute conversation with our recruitment team so we can get to know you and your experience. Next, you’ll be invited to a one-hour, in-person interview with the hiring manager at our Head Office in London Victoria.
Depending on the role and function, there may be additional stages. These could include time spent in one of our shops, completing a task, or meeting a senior leader.
Before you apply
This role is based at Pret’s Support Centre in London Victoria, where we work in a hybrid way - typically three days a week in the office.
We’d love to get to know you, not a robot, so please do not rely on AI to complete your application.
Deadline to apply for this role: 14th August 2026
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Head Of Digital Technology employer: Pret A Manger
Pret A Manger is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members. With a vibrant work culture in the heart of London, employees enjoy competitive pay, generous benefits including free food and drinks, and ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Join us to inspire teams and drive growth in a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Digital Technology
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Pret A Manger are looking for when hiring for a Head Of Digital Technology.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Pret A Manger for the Head Of Digital Technology, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Pret A Manger as a Head Of Digital Technology, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Pret A Manger’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head Of Digital Technology.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Pret A Manger, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Pret A Manger's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Pret A Manger. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Pret A Manger uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Pret A Manger. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
