People at Pret work hard, have fun, learn a lot and really grow. Right now, we’re looking for a passionate Transformation & Strategy Director to join us. The Role Pret is poised to grow substantially over the next five years, developing both its core estate, on-line capabilities and a number of new channels, globally. To support our strategy and the transformation required to achieve it, Pret’s Transformation & Strategy Director is required to facilitate strategy creation, detailed programme planning and communications. They will provide a driving force to the strategy ensuring it is continuously kept front of mind, actioned and achieved. The Transformation & Strategy Director works with Pret’s Executive team and wider Senior Leader team, being responsible for Pret’s strategic framework, the detailed planning within it (including prioritisation, KPI measures and resource planning), the reporting of its progress, appropriate governance and the communication of the journey. This role is the line Manager for the Project Office and a team of Programme Managers who provide focused support for the key strategic initiatives. The Transformation & Strategy Director will also support the business to identify new capabilities required, enable improved ways of working and to instil a good standard of consistent project management and reporting in all areas of Pret. This role requires excellent senior-level strategic planning, organizational, and communication skills across a variety of operational and technical disciplines, including a strong focus on customer and team engagement. Responsibilities Facilitate the creation and regular refresh of Pret’s 5 year vision and strategy and annual planning Challenge thinking and introduce new opinion into strategic discussions to ensure opinion is kept relevant Provide the detailed planning within the strategic framework including identification of initiatives, owners, roadmap and resource planning which takes into account market and global requirements Own the prioritisation framework and process to ensure initiatives are appropriately sequenced Own the governance framework and process, ensuring plans are appropriately agreed at required stage gates Ensure full and effective involvement of each market Own the effective reporting of strategy progress, both qualitative and against agreed KPIs Involve Senior Leaders and key others in Pret’s strategic planning – ensuring it is a collaborative activity Work with the Internal Communications Manager to ensure that all employees (in both Support Centres and Shops) are kept informed and updated on Pret’s strategic journey, with energy and positivity Lead the Project Office, ensuring key initiatives are appropriately supported and that Pret adopts a consistent and effective project methodology in all teams Identity key capabilities required as part of strategic plans and work with the Learning and Development team(s) to provide for required development activities Lead the Board Deck and meeting creation and execution Lead a team of Programme and Project professionals to deliver change programmes across the Pret business Manage a portfolio of projects including business change, technology, and operational improvement projects as needed Skills and experience Proven track record in developing and executing large-scale strategic plans across business functions Experience in creating and managing large-scale “transformation” projects across multiple market sectors Experience managing projects through agile and other methodologies Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the confidence to handle both complex and sensitive contacts Excellent judgment in identifying potential risks and opportunities Experience in knowing when and how to escalate highly sensitive information and personnel issues Experience of line managing and managing a team to deliver against service levels Passionate about building and coaching teams Passionate about cultivating new talent to open new business opportunities Excellent internal stakeholder management: from shop teams up to Board level 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 At Pret, we embrace a hybrid working model, with our team spending three days a week in the office. The deadline for applications for this role is Tuesday 21st January 2025.