Design Manager - London - Pret A Manger

Description

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 employer of choice in hospitality, everywhere we operate – so this an exciting time to hop on board.

We Believe in Growing Good ThingsGrowth is at the heart of everything we do. From the freshly hand‐made food we create every day, to supporting our teams, we help our people grow in confidence, skills and to pursue their unique paths. Pret is where passionate, hardworking, wonderful people (like you) find what they need to shine. And the proof is in the pudding – over 80% of our Managers started on the shop floor So did 20% of our Support Centre teams, including our CEO, Pano.

What we're looking forWe're looking for passionate team players to bring joy to our customers every day, where the highest standard of shop design is integral to Pret's mission to provide a best‐in‐class customer experience and deliver operational excellence. As a Design Manager, you will be championing shop design and innovation with attention to detail, you will be responsible for creating high‐quality shop designs and construction documents to support Pret's new shop opening and refurbishment programmes in the UK and international markets. Your work will promote the best possible brand experience while meeting cost, schedule, and operational requirements.

Key responsibilities

Manage and lead the end‐to‐end architectural design and shop development process.

Establish clear lines of communication with stakeholders and external parties, including but not limited to Property, Construction, Operations, Marketing and Creative teams.

Ensure brand and design consistency is maintained while safeguarding practicality, durability, and operational standards at all levels.

Provide design support to equity and franchise partners in the UK and international markets.

Lead design with passion and enthusiasm; attend weekly shop design and project review meetings; and prioritise and communicate project schedules and objectives to the project team.

Develop strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Pret UK and international design and project teams for both equity and franchise partners.

Prepare test fits, concepts, schematics, and design intent packages.

Review concept designs and monitor the production of documents by team members and external parties to ensure accurate and timely construction drawings, checking modifications and changes to ensure brand standards and budget adherence.

Ensure compliance of shop designs with local building codes and landlord criteria to secure permits and approvals.

Maintain design guidelines, ensure they are followed, and communicate changes to the business, external agencies, and contractors as required.

Visit market shops and provide insights to key stakeholders on innovation and design trends.

Supervise, coach, and mentor design team members.

Work across multiple projects and ensure that all projects and initiatives are seen through to a well‐communicated conclusion.

Report directly to the Head of Shop Format and Design, with a dotted line to the Head of Property and the Head of Construction.

Be available for site visits and occasional travel, including overseas trips.

No direct budget responsibility.

Normal office hours apply; however, flexibility will be required depending on business needs.

Experience and Skills required

Experience in international retail, hospitality, and/or restaurant design. >

Experience in design management within an international company, building relationships with cross‐functional teams, and managing external design consultants and construction documents.

Strong skills in managing external parties, including but not limited to landlords, planning authorities, structural engineers, MEP, and other consultants.

Creative and innovative, with the ability to inspire and lead on shop design.

Proficient and experienced in CAD drafting, VectorWorks and Adobe Photoshop or equivalent creative suites.

Strong working knowledge of interior design and architectural principles.

Ability to translate design principles and objectives into unique and varied shop locations.

Ability to hand‐sketch conceptual layouts, produce technical drawings, and visualise in 3D.

Ability to execute multiple designs under tight deadlines.

Skilled in the visual, written, and verbal communication of design issues and in problem‐solving through design.

Fluent in English, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Experienced in creating and delivering presentations.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Experience of leading and mentoring others.

Knowledge of local building codes and requirements.

Bachelor's degree or diploma in architecture, interior design, or an equivalent discipline.

About you3>

Be kind, honest and generous: bring genuine warmth and your authentic self to work every day.

Bring your passion: share our passion for food and exceptional customer service.

Spread joy every day: small acts of kindness are a big part of what makes the Pret experience special.

We offer

Gold Card: We love making people's day through our food and drinks. That goes for our teams too. That's why everyone gets a Gold Card. When you're in the office, your food and drinks are on us. And when you're not, you can use your Gold Card to get up to 5 Barista‐made drinks a day, and 50% off everything else (food, snacks, bottled drinks – the lot).

A few more perks

You'll get 33 days of annual leave (including flexible Bank Holidays), increasing to 38 days the longer 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

Financial wellbeing provisions

Free mortgage services

Sabbatical after 3 years

Opportunities to support our charity, The Pret Foundation

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, leadership development and mentoring.

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

Doing The Right Thing

The interview journeyEvery interview process at Pret begins with the same two stages. First, you'll have a relaxed 30‐minute conversation with our recruitment team so we can get to know you and your experience. Next, you'll be invited to one‐hour, in‐person interview with the hiring manager at our Head Office in London Victoria.

Depending on the role and function, there may be additional stages. These could include time spent in one of our shops, completing a task, or meeting a senior leader.

Before you applyThis role is based at Pret's Support Centre in London Victoria, where we work in a hybrid way - typically three days a week in the office.

We'd love to get to know you, not a robot, so please do not rely on AI to complete your application.

Deadline to apply for this role:

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