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. There’s more to the story, of course. But now, let’s talk about you, and the job… Food Technical Team purpose To ensure that all foods in the UK comply with Pret standards, the law and food safety requirements through establishing, maintaining, reviewing and continuously improving all systems, processes and standards required for food safety and due diligence. To manage supply base quality & supply issues, and ensure Pret has the tools to manage and improve the quality of inbound products and ingredients and to provide guidance and advice on food safety and quality issues in shops. To maintain the reputation of the Pret Brand (Quality, Safety, Legality), supporting “Pret’s approach to food” with robust food science and effective supply base management. Part of the UK technical team delivering vigorous management of all aspects of food safety, quality and legality for the UK and Irish market. This role reports to the Head of Technical UK & EU within the Food Commercial Team. Responsibilities Supplier management Responsible for maintaining a technical relationship with our food suppliers Responsible for driving continuous improvement in quality (complaints & total defects measure - KPIs) Responsible for managing quality issues / incidents and ensuring the procedures are enhanced with each learning for optimal recovery in future Responsible for ensuring appropriate processes are in place, to deliver effective manufacturing technical management to achieve quality standards and deliver long-term improvement plans Responsible for supporting unexpected changes within the supply chain e.g. Capacity crunches, factory relocations, crisis management Responsible for identifying cost savings (TCOF reduction) and support delivery thereof Responsible for delivering “sustainable business” in your area according to established Pret policies Finished product administration Responsible for ensuring every MTS and BTS product has an up-to-date specification set to active on Hamilton Grant -Pret’s specification system. Responsible for ensuring a thorough & current risk assessment in place with the appropriate HACCP & prerequisite program in place Responsible for legality of all Pret BTS and MTS labels and published food information and ensuring all legislation knowledge is current Responsible for ensuring appropriate life for Pret range, incorporating safety and quality of products. Recommend appropriate life extension for existing products. Responsible for quality taste panels of MTS ingredients and BTS products, as well as finished products (like Chef’s Specials) as appropriate in my area Responsible for delivering internal and external quality reports & trends Shop Facing Responsible for monitoring, trending and responding to shop complaints Responsible for monitoring, trending and responding to customer complaints Responsible for generating and reviewing launch documents shared with shops (Allergen Guide, Shelf life Guide, Langar tickets) NPD & innovation Responsible for the on-time and on-specification delivery of NPD in my area, working closely with the supplier, buyer and product developer Responsible for the investigation of innovation in my area Responsible for maintaining a network to “bring the outside in” within my area or a passion of my own Projects Responsible for the on-time and on-specification delivery of projects in my area; including the management of expectations, escalating requirements for resource and support Essential Skills / Knowledge Food science or Food technology qualification at degree level 10 experience in food technical roles, preferably within retail or food service. Empathy with natural, fresh food, sustainability, and the environment HACCP Level 4 Pret offers Competitive salary and annual bonus 33 days holiday a year including Bank Holidays Private healthcare Life assurance Pret pension scheme Season ticket loan Free lunch and drinks 50% discount in Pret shops worldwide Great reward and recognition events Legendary parties