Overview
Kitchen Leader — 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 remaking 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 80-82 St. John’s Road, London SW11 1PX 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 £16.85 (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 reward 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; 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.
#J-18808-LjbffrKitchen Leader -Battersea, St John's Road in London employer: Pret A Manger
At Pret a Manger, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued and empowered to grow. Located in the heart of Battersea, our Kitchen Leader role offers not only competitive pay and generous benefits, including free food and flexible hours, but also a clear pathway for career advancement, with many of our leaders having started from the shop floor. Join us in making a positive impact while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and encourages personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Leader -Battersea, St John's Road in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Pret A Manger. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pret A Manger
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pret A Manger directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Leader -Battersea, St John's Road in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Pret A Manger and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
