At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in preparing delicious food and ensuring high standards.
- Company: Join Pret, a vibrant company with over 750 shops worldwide.
- Benefits: Earn £15.10 per hour, enjoy free food, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your skills in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and team leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 31408 - 31408 € per year.
Full Time 35 hours per week. Pret here! 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 doing the right thing and growing fast – it’s an exciting team to hop on board!
This role is located in 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 £15.10 (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 up 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 a 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 - Manchester, University Square employer: Pret A Manger
At Pret a Manger, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where passionate individuals can thrive. As a Kitchen Leader in Manchester, you'll enjoy competitive pay, generous benefits including free food and flexible hours, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in making a positive impact while being part of a team that values kindness, authenticity, and exceptional service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Leader - Manchester, University Square
✨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 the team!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to hear your passion for food and customer service shine through. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share examples of how you've led a team or handled challenges in the kitchen. Pret loves stories of kindness and teamwork, so think of moments where you made a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Leader - Manchester, University Square
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 align with the Kitchen Leader role. Mention any leadership experience or kitchen skills that demonstrate your ability to inspire a team and maintain high standards.
Show Your Values:Pret is all about kindness, honesty, and generosity. Make sure to weave these values into your application. Share examples of how you've spread joy or made a positive impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our Pret family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Pret’s values and mission. Understand what it means to create a positive customer experience and how you can contribute to that as a Kitchen Leader. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous experiences leading a team. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired others or resolved conflicts. Highlight how you can drive team performance and maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment, just like Pret expects.
✨Bring Your Authentic Self
Pret values kindness and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for food and customer service, and talk about how you spread joy in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a genuine candidate.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful ones that show your interest in the role and the company culture. For example, ask about opportunities for growth or how the team celebrates success. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of the Pret family.
