People at Pret work hard, have fun, learn a lot and really grow. Right now, we’re looking for a passionate Senior Food & Coffee Developer to join us.
A bit about the role
Reporting in the Head of Food and working collaboratively with the rest of the development team, this role is responsible for the identification and exploration of new and emerging food trends, translating them from scratch into concepts for further development, with a very hands on approach, into launchable products to be sold under the Pret brand. Based in the UK this role is focused on the UK business.
This role is responsible for the gated development process, that takes inspiration and ideas through concept development to delivery of a viable product/range that can then be scaled up, developed and launched into the business. These recipes must be first and foremost delicious, however it is critical they can be made easily in shops, taking into account all operational issues, launch time frames and commercial guidelines to TCOF. They will be responsible for identifying new ingredients, recipes or categories that fit within the Pret brand to support the constant stream of innovation required to retain our position as an innovation leader. A key part of this is the management of our suppliers and wider teams, to ensure timelines are managed and met effectively and in a punctual manner.
As the Senior Developer, they will be the support to the more junior developers, guiding and advising where needed.
This role is also responsible for working with all Pret systems that enable shop facing material to be prepared to ensure seamless execution of products in our shops. They are responsible for setting up the accurate information on time in all the relevant systems, including, but not limited to recipe costings on the food system, finished product creation on internal systems, as well as creating how to cards for our shops to follow.
Finally, along with the other developers, this person is responsible for the promotion and celebration of Pret’s food culture and innovation strengths, finding ways to bring Pret food passion across the business by creating and delivering food led events, showcases and inductions with Pret teams, partners and shareholders.
In summary, this hands on role is integral in supporting taking approved, developer led concepts from the kitchen and working with the technical, launch, buying & innovation team to translate these concepts into delicious and commercially viable products in the UK.
Previous experience within bakery categories is preferred.
This role participates in the weekly Food & Coffee meetings to present concepts, ingredients and products, to support a robust and timely launch process as directed by the launch managers, ensuring that the food is to Pret standard and cost of products and ingredients are in line with product budgets. To do so, this person will work closely with the Buyers, Technical Team and Launch Managers. Not only will they be presenting their own products, they will be working collaboratively with the other developers, supporting them in the preparation of their products, ordering & collecting ingredients when needed.
They will work with suppliers to ensure that Pret’s direction on food and drink is both in keeping with the brand, but also in line with changing customer needs, behaviours and opinions. This role is responsible for keeping track of any competitor activity across the UK, organising food safaris, as well as reporting on food trends. Additionally, this person supports all other functions, where needed within Pret including supporting the Marketing, Creative and Social teams with product inspiration.
Along with the rest of the development team, they collectively need ensure that the Development Kitchen is kept clean, tidy and efficient, managing all of their stock is stored correctly and rotated / disposed of when necessary and labelled clearly. Other teams will have their allocated space in their kitchen and need to follow to the same standards, ensuring the Kitchen is inviting for external suppliers, stakeholders and weekly food meetings etc.
The magic you’ll bring
* A true innovator, pushing boundaries by identifying emerging trends and new ideas, evolving them to become viable Pret products, with an absolute passion for food & drink and in particular a great enthusiasm for fantastic freshly made food
* Excellent attention to detail, particularly regarding system input of complete and accurate information in a timely manner
* Resilient and agile, with the ability to react at pace and take feedback constructively and positively. Someone who thrives working in a fast-paced environment.
* Previous experience in successfully developing, familiar with a Gated Process, with excellent kitchen and food development skills who enjoys being very hands-on.
* Experience in supplier management, with the ability to hold them to account, ensuring all projects run to the required critical path
* A good understanding of shop operations, packaging and equipment to support creative development
* Sound financial and commercial acumen and experience in using computer-based recipe management systems
* Someone with enthusiasm, energy and passion and ability to create that within the team. A real Pret Food ambassador, able to represent the brand internally and externally
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
The deadline for applications for this role is Thursday 6th February.
At Pret, we embrace a hybrid working model, with our team spending three days a week in the office.
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