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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team to create delicious food and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Join the beloved Pret a Manger family, known for fresh ingredients and great customer experiences.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ13.31 to ÂŁ14.56 per hour, enjoy free meals, and receive fantastic discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with outstanding training and growth opportunities in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Previous supervisory experience and a passion for food and customer service are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, 28 days paid holiday, and legendary Pret parties await you!
KitchenLeader
Full Time 35 hours per week
Pret here!We’reproud 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 doing the right thing and growing fast – it’s an exciting team to hop on board!
This role is located at 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD 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 ÂŁ15.10 (inclusive of mystery shopper bonus)
- After initial training, earn an extra ÂŁ5 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
- And when you’re not, you’ll have our 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.
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Kitchen Leader - Manchester, University Square employer: Pret A Manger
Contact Detail:
Pret A Manger Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Leader - Manchester, University Square
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Pret's values and mission. This way, you can show how your passion for food and customer service aligns with their ethos. Plus, it’ll help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the brand.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on your supervisory experience and how you’ve led teams in the past. Being confident in your answers will help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When heading to your interview, wear something smart-casual that reflects Pret’s vibe. You want to look professional but also approachable, just like the team you’ll be leading. First impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Leader - Manchester, University Square
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food and customer service shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about the role and ready to inspire our team to create delicious meals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous supervisory or kitchen experience you have. We’re looking for Kitchen Leaders who can take charge and support our lovely team members, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Yourself: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share a bit about what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the Pret family!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of landing an interview, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Know Your Stuff
Before heading into the interview, make sure you know all about Pret a Manger's values and what they stand for. Familiarise yourself with their menu and the quality standards they uphold. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Kitchen Leader, you'll be inspiring and training your team. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or handled challenges. Highlight your passion for food and customer service, as this is key to impressing them.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that show you're keen on growing within the company. Ask about the training opportunities available or how they support career progression. This not only demonstrates your ambition but also your commitment to being part of the Pret family.
✨Be Yourself and Have Fun
Pret values a fun and friendly atmosphere, so let your personality shine through during the interview. Smile, be enthusiastic, and don’t be afraid to show your love for food and teamwork. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression!