Design Manager

Company Overview

We’re Pret: proud makers of freshly made food, organic coffee, and big ideas. Across 750+ shops and 20+ countries, our teams shape the future through innovation, inclusion, great customer service and a shared passion for doing the right thing.

We’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.

• Manage and lead the end‑to‑end architectural design and shop development process.
• Establish clear lines of communication with stakeholders and external parties, including 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 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 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, Vector Works 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.

• 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…