The Pret Graduate Programme, London UK
Start Date: September 2026
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 Things
Growth 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.
About the Programme
The Pret Graduate Programme is a full-time, paid, 18-month rotational leadership development programme designed to fast-track exceptional graduates into future operational and corporate leadership roles.
It combines hands-on learning, multi-function rotations, and real responsibility inside one of the fastest-paced and most beloved food and coffee brands in the world.
What You’ll Experience
Multi-Function Rotations
Across your rotations, you’ll build a deep understanding of how Pret operates — from shop floors to strategic decision making. Your experience may include time in:
Shop Operations (your foundation — where Pret begins)
Supply Chain & Production
Food & Coffee Innovation
Marketing, Brand & Digital
People/HR
Strategy & Transformation
You’ll gain a full-picture understanding of what it takes to run and scale Pret.
Real Responsibility from Day One
Pret is hands-on. You’ll lead projects, solve operational challenges, improve processes, support teams, and help shape customer experience.
Leadership Development
You’ll build the behaviours that define Pret’s culture — resilience, pace, curiosity, simplicity, teamwork, and genuine care for people.
Exposure to Leaders
You’ll work closely with Pret leaders across operations, supply chain, food, and central functions — many of whom built their own careers starting in Pret shops.
A Pathway to Leadership
Graduates finish the programme ready to step into meaningful roles across operations, supply chain, strategy, people, or broader general management.
Who You Are
We’re looking for graduates who reflect the spirit of Pret. You are:
Ambitious and growth-minded - you dream big, take initiative, act with purpose, and adapt your approach as you learn.
A practical problem-solver - you break down challenges, make the complex simple, stay curious, and think imaginatively.
Courageous and resilient - you embrace change with a positive mindset, speak up constructively, and learn from setbacks.
Authentic and self-aware - you listen with empathy, seek feedback, recognise your strengths, and work on your development.
Collaborative and inclusive - you build trust, value different perspectives, and strengthen relationships to achieve great results together.
Live our values - you act in the best interests of your team and customers, uphold high standards, and do the right thing consistently.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s / Master’s degree completed by Summer 2026
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Prior leadership experience through work, internships, extracurriculars, or volunteering
Ability to work full-time in London starting in September 2026
Passion for food, hospitality, people, and building a career inside a fast-paced, values-driven brand
A love of Pret (coffee helps)
What You’ll Get
Competitive salary & performance incentives
Real leadership experience across multiple functions
1:1 coaching and mentorship from Pret leaders
Training in management, communication, and commercial fundamentals
Career progression inside a global brand
Employee discounts & Pret perks
A culture grounded in people, simplicity, joy, and doing the right thing
Selection Process
Online Application
Virtual Interview with Pret’s Recruiting Partner — Adison Partners
Final In-Person Assessment Day in London (with exposure to senior executives) – February 6, 2026
Email gradsprogramme@pret.com to find out more and apply