At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in preparing delicious food and ensuring high standards in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Pret, a fast-growing company with a passion for great food and coffee.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free food, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your skills in a fun, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Leadership skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for everyone to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
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 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 £ (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
- 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, Spinningfields employer: Pret
Contact Detail:
Pret Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Leader - Manchester, Spinningfields
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Pret's values and culture before your interview. We want to see how you can fit in and contribute to our happy teams and amazing standards. Researching our mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural! We love authenticity, so don’t just memorise answers. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to being a Kitchen Leader at Pret. Share stories that highlight your leadership skills and customer service passion.
✨Tip Number 3
During the shop-based interview, engage with the team and show your enthusiasm! We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and spread joy. Ask questions about their experiences and share your ideas on how to maintain high standards in the kitchen.
✨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 the initiative to connect with us directly. Let’s grow together at Pret!
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Leader - Manchester, Spinningfields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When 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 food and customer service.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Kitchen Leader role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and what you can bring to the team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well – it’ll help us get to know you better without any confusion.
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 you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pret
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Pret's values and what it means to be a Kitchen Leader. Familiarise yourself with their menu and the importance of quality food preparation. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've led a team in the past. Think about times when you inspired others or resolved conflicts. Pret is looking for someone who can motivate their team, so highlight your ability to drive performance and maintain high standards.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
Pret prides itself on exceptional customer service, so come prepared with stories that showcase your commitment to making customers happy. Whether it's a small act of kindness or going the extra mile, these anecdotes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about team dynamics, growth opportunities, or how they maintain their high standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if Pret is the right fit for you.