Job Description

Making days (and careers) brighter

We're proud to be a global business. And our mission is simple, really: to make every day a little bit brighter for our wonderful customers, teams and communities. We believe in being kind, generous and honest. That's why, at the end of each night, we donate as much of our unsold food as possible to those who need it most. And why we support those experiencing homelessness through The Pret Foundation.


Pret is also a place of opportunity, that's constantly creating. We're growing fast, through franchise partnerships all around the world. Where hardworking, passionate, wonderful people from around the world are given the chance to shine. (Like you).


And we work with those who also share our enthusiasm for our four values:

Happy Teams, Happy Customers Amazing Standards Everyday Never Standing Still Doing The Right Thing

There's more to the story, of course. But now, let's talk about you, and the job...

A bit about the role

You will lead a team overseeing and managing the construction of new Pret shops and refurbishments of existing Pret shops, ensuring sites are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the highest quality that meet Pret brand standards. You will contribute, as part of Property Team, to the effective day to day running of the business and the shaping of the new store opening strategy. Part of a critical cross-departmental team, you will have expertise on all matters relating to new store openings, and refurbishments, including transport hubs. Acting as a brand ambassador for collaboration, team working, safety, compliance, sustainability and above all the culture of Pret. You will be responsible for developing our relationship with all external and internal stakeholders.

The magic you'll bring

You will be a self aware, approachable, high performing individual used to modelling behaviours which show respect, helpfulness and cooperation, alongside technical know-how and commercial acumen. You will have exceptional experience of resolving technical, operation and contractual issues and disputes. You respond positively and with resilience to setbacks. You understanding people's needs and motivations and adapt your personal style accordingly You will have a track record of successfully delivering projects, including the control of costs and quality in line with targets and efficient use of all staff, consultants and resources, to a works value of 2m. You will have an exceptional ability to accurately interpret contract documents, programmes, drawings and technical specifications. You will be able to ensure the project team understanding all drawings, technical specification and build programmes. You will have recent experience of managing teams including the supply chain, direct employees and consultants, and have experience in playing a leading role which positively contributes to the new store development and wider team.

Key Responsibilities & the day to day

Oversee the appointment, management and review of external contractors', project managers and design consultants who will deliver the build of all equity new store openings and major refurbishments. Assist franchisees in their appointment, management and review of external project management and design consultants who will deliver the build of all franchise new store openings.


During the life of each new store project, whether equity or franchise, ensure the appointed teams:

Maintain the highest standard of health, safety and environmental management Develop and monitor project strategies to achieve Pret's emerging sustainability initiatives and objectives Develop and monitor strategic to deliver quality build, in accordance with the requirement of the project. This will involve the direct working with the global procurement, global brand teams and franchisee stakeholders. Implement the Pret supply chain policy Adopt and ensure compliance with the Considerate Construction Scheme and help the teams manage community relations, where appropriate Manage all operational aspects of the project to achieve the build in line with the quality and budget expectations, and Pret's brand standards. Review performance of each externally appointed contractor and consultant against targets and identify and manage performance misses, potential risks and opportunities Maintain a continuous professional development of yourself and your appointed team to ensure appropriate ongoing awareness of emerging trends, technical points and compliance Ensure consultant implementation of all Pret's policies and procedures across every site, whether franchise or equity, specifically ensuring Pret's cultural principles are embedded seamlessly throughout every interaction, touchpoint and decision. Working alongside the equity Estates and Acquisitions team to manage and review the equity pipeline and acquisition strategy, leading on the management, review and communication of Pret's shell specification and standards, both strategically and in scoping, costing and advising on potential new sites which progress to the Property Investment Committee. Act as a brand ambassador for Pret on all matters relating to new store openings, whether relating to collaboration, team working, safety, compliance, sustainability and above all the culture of Pret. Act as the on-site day to day point of contact for all appointed franchise and equity consultants building new stores, nurturing and developing our relationship with all external and internal stakeholders. Visit every new store development, whether franchise and equity, at least once during the life of the on-site build. Report the status of the pipeline to all senior leaders, as required. Formally review and implement changes to Pret's development policy, informing and cascading such changes to all relevant stakeholders. Attend the Franchise Council, Growth Council, Property Investment Committee and other meetings as a presenter as required. Ensure prompt, accurate and quality reporting on all matters pertaining to the pipeline, costs and any associated matters. Act as line manager to a Project Manager and Project Coordinator, providing support, guidance, direction and mentoring. Ensure each team member has a clear understanding of their role in supporting you as the Head of Construction, as well as the requests and needs of the wider Property team and other Pret departments as may be required ad hoc.

Pret Behaviours

Passion - drive, enthusiasm and pride Clear Communication - clear and appropriate communication, great at listening Team Working - helpful, sociable and respectful Great Execution - high standards, well planned, efficient Open to Change - flexible, keen to learn Business Sense - commercial mindset, grasp the 'big picture' * One Pret - collaborative, whole business focused