Jobs & Careers with Piers Linney - 171

PROMOTION

SUCCESS?
' THE P E R KS A RE A MA ZING'
Alexander Thain, 20, Front of House Leader,
Victoria Station, London

One of the biggest names in
fresh food is brimming with
tempting work opportunities

'PRET IS THERE FOR YOU 100%'
Inga Juodeskaite, 32, Operations Manager,
Victoria Station, London

'The responsibility for selling all the right
products and maintaining cleanliness falls
to me. I'm also in charge of the team, and
making sure the customers are served quickly.
'As I didn't want to do a vocational degree,
I went on Pret's school leavers programme
instead. It stood out from the rest because, here, you can
improve and progress through the ranks.
'I really enjoy talking to our customers and having a laugh
with the regulars, and of course having fun with the team. But
it can be challenging when it's really busy and there's a huge
queue; we've got to get everybody served but also make sure
the sandwiches and drinks are fully stocked - and keep it all
clean. It can be quite difficult to multi-task!
'Pret is a great company to work for - the perks are amazing.
The hourly pay is higher than its competitors, so that's a plus
right from the onset. Employees get half price discount for
you and your friends on days off, which is pretty cool!
'I'd like to be a General Manager eventually, and then even
go further and be a Group Manager or Operations Manager.
I'd definitely encourage others to work for Pret, I love it.'

'I came to Pret from a job in France 10 years
ago and I've never looked back. I started as a
team member and now manage 10 shops and
10 general managers, overseeing everything
from the moment a customer walks in the
door to reporting sales figures.
'Even the challenging moments are rewarding. Sometimes
we have an operational issue in the shops, such as having no
water or an appliance being broken, but that should never
translate into the customers' experience, so we don't allow it
to. We have to be really adaptable and make quick decisions,
but when you resolve the problem it's so satisfying.
'The thing I enjoy most about my role is being in charge of
people development. I take great pride in seeing members of
my team being promoted. For me the biggest reward is taking
someone from not knowing anything about our company and
the business, to having them running their own shop and even
group of shops. Every member of staff is treated with integrity
and care - you're not just seen as a worker, but as a person.
And if personal circumstances ever interfere with your work,
Pret is there for you 100%, and that is invaluable today.'

'I HAVE A CAREER AND A FAMILY'

'I'M PROUD TO WORK HERE'

Johanna Selin, 38, Head of Customer Service and
Shop Support, Hudson's Place

Daiva Cernecktye, 29, General Manager, Grays Inn
Road, Camden, London

'My role is all about engaging with internal
and external customers on a daily basis. This
involves dealing with complaints inside the
shops and when customers have left (if they
email or call about a problem), and directing
them to the right department. At Pret, we are
allowed to build the relationship between the
stores and the department. Nothing is ring fenced - we can
put investment where we feel it is needed - and it's great to
see those changes being implemented. It makes me feel proud.
'There are so many positives to working at Pret, from free
fresh food to teamwork, to feeling valued as an individual. I
came from Sweden in 1995 without a university degree and
joined Pret as a team member. Twenty years and two children
later, and I still have a successful career at Pret.
'As a woman, Pret has enabled me to take my maternity
leave and return to work; to have a career as well as a family.
I've never needed to look for another job because all the
things I value are right here in front of me.'

'I started at Pret as a team member in the
Oxford Street shop (central London) four and
a half years ago, and have been promoted
several times since. My responsibilities now
include looking after the team and the shop,
and making sure that the customers are happy.
'I enjoy everything about working for Pret - especially the
people. I'm proud to work here; it has a very good reputation.
There are so many benefits, too - just the other week my team
member received a £100 cash reward after one of our mystery
shoppers rated her service as outstanding.'

MORE INFORMATION
Pret has good jobs for brilliant people making
great food. Find out more at www.pret.com/
jobs or connect through LinkedIn at
www.linkedin.com/company/pret-a-manger
http://www.pret.com/ http://www.linkedin.com/company/pret-a-manger
Jobs & Careers with Piers Linney

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