At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead shop operations, drive sales, and develop your team in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Pret, a vibrant company known for delicious food and organic coffee.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, 33+ days leave, and free medical cover.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 39163 - 50185 ÂŁ per year.
General Manager 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!
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 Store Manager at Pret a Manger, you’ll lead and oversee all aspects of shop operations, from staffing and scheduling to inventory management, ensuring everything runs efficiently and smoothly. You’ll drive sales and profitability through smart cost control, upselling strategies, and engaging promotional initiatives. Creating a positive and inclusive work environment is key—you’ll coach, train, and develop your team to help them thrive. You’ll ensure full compliance with company policies and health and safety regulations, while handling customer feedback with professionalism and empathy. With a strong grasp of financial performance, you’ll prepare and analyse reports such as P&L statements and budget forecasts to identify opportunities for improvement. You’ll also collaborate with departments like marketing and supply chain to implement initiatives and achieve business goals.
To succeed, you’ll bring:
- Leadership experience from the hospitality industry
- Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
- A sharp eye for detail
Leaders, inspirers, and drivers of their teams, our Managers are our in‑shop champions, coaching and mentoring their teams. These wonderful people are the protectors of the things that make Pret, Pret – keeping standards and spirits high, and our teams and customers happy. When the shop gets busy, so do they; it’s what makes them, them – whether it’s rolling their sleeves up on the coffee machine (with training, of course) or immersed in the figures and spreadsheets. A people person without a doubt, with a passion for helping their shop, and the people in it grow.
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:
You’ve got experience in retail or hospitality, and you know how to lead a team, drive profit, and deliver great customer experiences—all while keeping energy and standards high.
We offer:
- ÂŁ39,163-ÂŁ50,185
- 20% quarterly bonus
- 33 days of annual leave (including flexible Bank Holidays), increasing to 38 days the long‑year 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
- 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. First stage virtual interview on Teams (60min); Second stage shop experience in person (60min). Next, you’ll be invited to a coffee chat, in‑person interview with the Head of Operations.
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.
General Manager - Milton Keynes, Eagle Walk employer: Pret A Manger
Contact Detail:
Pret A Manger Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Milton Keynes, Eagle Walk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into Pret's values and mission. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your past experiences align with the role of General Manager and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for customer service! During the interview, share stories about how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. Pret loves people who spread joy and make every experience special.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, growth opportunities, and how Pret supports its managers. This shows you're serious about the role and eager to contribute.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Milton Keynes, Eagle Walk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for customer service and teamwork.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in retail or hospitality. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams or improved customer experiences – we love a good story!
Show Your Numbers: Since financial performance is key, don’t forget to include any achievements related to sales or cost control. If you've worked with budgets or P&L statements, give us the details – it’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret A Manger
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Pret's values and mission. Understand their commitment to exceptional customer service and community impact. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching, training, and driving performance. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that improved team morale or customer satisfaction.
✨Be Ready for Real Scenarios
Expect situational questions during your interview. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. For instance, be prepared to discuss how you would handle a busy shift or resolve a customer complaint while maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for People
Pret values kindness and genuine warmth. During your interview, share stories that reflect your passion for helping others grow, whether it's through mentoring team members or creating a positive work environment. This will resonate well with their culture and show that you're a great fit.