At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate kitchen team to prepare delicious food and ensure high standards.
- Company: Join Pret, a vibrant company dedicated to fresh food and exceptional customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free food, flexible hours, and great perks like discounts and bonuses.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and find your unique path in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while growing your career with us.
- Qualifications: Bring your passion for food and customer service; leadership experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 13.85 - 13.85 £ per hour.
Hello, 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 hospitality employer of choice everywhere we operate – so it’s an exciting time to hop on board.
Growing good things at Pret is where passionate, hardworking, wonderful people (like you!) find what they need to shine. Growth is at the heart of everything we do – from supporting our people to grow in confidence and skills to pursue their unique paths, to figuring out how to make our food and coffee even more delicious and accessible.
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.
Base Pay Rate: £13.85 - £13.85
The perks:
- Additional £1.25 per hour Mystery Shopper bonus once training is complete
- 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
- 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
- Comfy free shoes to wear on shift
Life in Our shops:
Our shops are a wonderful place to be. For our customers, and for our teams! The teams in our shops bring their talents (and their unique charm) to make every day a little more joyful. Here, you’ll find:
- Individual ways to grow: fully funded professional qualifications, leadership development and informal and formal mentoring
- Diversity & belonging: Everyone’s welcome at Pret – you’ll be valued for who you are and supported to feel confident in yourself and your skills
- Pace & variety: Build a diverse skillset, meet some new people and learn (a LOT)
- Community & purpose: We work together to create positive change through the Pret Foundation
We put great care into everything we do – that includes our shops and your career in them. Work here is fast-paced, but your team’s always got your back as you work together to serve delicious food and coffee and share small everyday moments of joy with your customers.
Our values:
- Happy Teams Happy Customers
- Amazing Standards Every day
- Never Standing Still
- Doing The Right Thing
The Pret interview journey:
Step one: apply! Please don’t overly rely on the use of AI, we want to get to know you, not a robot. Then, if we move forward with your application, we’ll start the process with an initial phone screening. The next stage is 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.
Kitchen Leader in Street 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 Kitchen Leader in Street
✨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 in Street
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!
