Landing a General Manager role at Pret A Manger is an exciting opportunity to lead a fast-paced, customer-centric team in one of the UK’s most iconic food and coffee brands. General Managers at Pret are not just operations experts—they are cultural ambassadors, team developers, and frontline leaders responsible for everything from financial performance to customer satisfaction. The role typically includes managing store operations, coaching and developing team members, ensuring health and safety standards are met, and driving key performance indicators.
According to market averages, a Pret A Manger General Manager in the UK earns between £35,000 to £45,000 per year, with additional performance bonuses and perks such as free food, paid training, and career advancement programs. For those with a passion for hospitality and people leadership, this is a career-defining role.
Top 20 Pret A Manger General Manager Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
Focus on your hospitality background, leadership experience, and enthusiasm for Pret’s culture.
“I’ve spent the last 8 years managing food service teams, focusing on high-volume, fast-paced environments. What excites me about Pret is the commitment to fresh food and strong values, which align closely with my own.”
2. Why do you want to work for Pret A Manger?
“Pret stands out for its values, especially sustainability and team development. I’m impressed by the ‘Pret Academy’ and how Pret promotes from within. I want to grow with a company that invests in its people.”
3. How would you manage a team during a busy lunch rush?
“Preparation is key. I’d ensure shift roles are clear, stock is prepped, and energy is high. I lead by example on the floor, staying calm and motivating the team while keeping service standards high.”
4. What would you do if a customer complains about their food?
“Listen actively, apologise sincerely, and replace the item quickly. I’d then investigate the cause and provide feedback to the team to prevent future issues.”
5. How do you ensure your team stays motivated?
“I focus on recognition, clear communication, and personal development. Small wins get celebrated, and I regularly check in with team members about their goals.”
6. Describe a time you improved a store’s performance.
“At my previous job, I introduced a daily huddle to align the team. We set mini-goals, which improved productivity and raised our customer satisfaction scores by 15%.”
7. How do you handle underperforming staff?
“I approach it with empathy. I begin with a one-on-one conversation to understand their perspective, then provide clear feedback and a development plan.”
8. What steps would you take to ensure health and safety compliance?
“Regular audits, training refreshers, and daily checklists. I make compliance part of the team’s culture, not just a checklist item.”
9. Pret A Manger has a strong brand identity. How would you maintain it in your store?
“By living Pret’s values daily—ensuring excellent service, fresh presentation, and consistent quality, while role-modelling positive behavior.”
10. How do you handle a situation when two team members aren’t getting along?
“I bring them together privately to discuss the issue, mediate fairly, and remind them of our shared goals. A respectful work environment is non-negotiable.”
11. What’s your management style?
“Hands-on and collaborative. I’m approachable, set clear expectations, and coach through feedback.”
12. How do you prioritise tasks during a busy shift?
“I assess urgency vs importance. Safety, customer experience, and staff support come first. I delegate when appropriate and communicate priorities clearly.”
13. How would you manage inventory to reduce waste?
“Daily monitoring, forecasting based on footfall trends, and training staff to follow FIFO and prep guides accurately.”
14. What metrics do you use to measure store success?
“Sales vs target, food waste, customer feedback, labour cost, and staff turnover. These indicators tell a full performance story.”
15. How do you develop team leaders for future promotion?
“I identify potential early, provide stretch assignments, offer mentoring, and encourage use of Pret Academy tools.”
16. Tell us about a time you dealt with an emergency in-store.
“Once a team member fainted during a shift. I ensured their safety, contacted emergency services, and calmly reassigned tasks while reassuring the team and customers.”
17. What would you do on your first day in a new Pret store?
“I’d observe operations, introduce myself to the team, and review key metrics. Understanding the store’s culture and challenges would be my priority.”
18. How do you handle pressure?
“I stay solution-focused and composed. I rely on preparation, time management, and trust in my team to navigate high-pressure situations.”
19. How do you align a diverse team toward a shared goal?
“Through inclusive leadership, clear communication, and shared ownership of results. I involve the team in decision-making when possible.”
20. What makes you the right candidate for this role?
“I bring a proven track record in team leadership, operational excellence, and a deep passion for customer experience. I believe in Pret’s values and am excited to lead with purpose.”
Interview Coaching and Final Tips for Pret A Manger Success
Going into a Pret A Manger General Manager interview means more than knowing operations—it’s about showing your leadership style, passion for service, and cultural fit. Here are a few bonus tips to help you succeed:
Research Pret’s values and mission—speak to them during your answers.
Be ready with real examples from your work experience.
Show enthusiasm for people development and customer care.
Dress professionally, even if the company culture is casual.
Ask smart questions at the end to show engagement and curiosity.
With preparation, energy, and honesty, you can stand out and make a lasting impression. Good luck—you’ve got this!
