Global Head of Sustainability

People at Pret work hard, have fun, learn a lot and really grow. Right now, we’re looking for a passionate Global Head of Sustainability to join us.

The Role

Sustainability has been at the core of Pret since day one with the founders’ focus on quality sourcing and their insistence on giving leftover food to the homeless each night. In 2006, Pret formed the Sustainability function to push forward these and other initiatives such as animal welfare standards, as well as ensuring compliance with legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act. Over the years, customers, employees and senior stakeholders have become increasingly aware of and concerned about a range of sustainability issues, from coffee cup recycling to plastic packaging and climate change.

This role is responsible for driving the delivery of Pret’s 2030 sustainability strategy and targets internationally, ensuring they are well communicated, understood & implemented efficiently and effectively. This role will be required to monitor progress against the agreed international sustainability plans and for providing clear and accurate reporting of Pret’s sustainability activities and achievements both internally and externally with employees, customers and wider stakeholders. They will also act as the primary ambassador for the brand on sustainability.

Collaboration will be key - ensuring sustainability projects in all markets are delivered on time, on budget, and to Pret standards. This will be a stretching role requiring a hands-on approach to build the function, whilst operating with a high degree of autonomy.

You will have excellent organisation, planning and communication skills, with the ability to influence a range of stakeholders both internally and externally, including working closely with senior decision makers through regular exposure to the Global Leadership Team (GLT), UK, US, French & HK Leadership teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver against Pret’s sustainability ambition, ensuring buy-in from relevant stakeholders both internally and externally to drive positive impact.
• Drive accurate data collection and reporting against required standards, and keep up to date with upcoming sustainability legislation that will impact the business.
• Formulate action plans in partnership with Country Leadership Teams and the GLT which have defined objectives, targets and responsibilities to support agreed upon sustainability focus areas
• Programme management of the objectives and action plans to assess progress being made and where there is any risk of deadlines not being met.
• Lead on educating the teams on sustainability and support with helping team members understand the role they play in delivering Pret’s sustainability ambitions.
• Ensure appropriate internal policies, controls and measurement systems are in place to support sustainability efforts.
• Clear reporting to the business and shareholders of performance against strategic objectives.
• Facilitate internal and external communications and visibility as the company spokesperson on sustainability issues; create and implement communication strategies to publicise the company’s sustainability efforts and promote broad awareness of sustainability initiatives, both internally and externally.
• Foster a culture of sustainability through ongoing organisational communications and education.
• Ensure that the sustainability function enhances business performance and supports Pret’s long-term interests.
• Keep abreast of sustainability trends and competitor actions in the space in all Pret markets.
• Offer expertise and provide leadership-level support for initiatives led by other departments.
• Build effective partnerships with external organisations to support sustainability effort

Skills and experience

• Significant work experience in sustainability with corresponding relevant professional network
• Experience of managing a team to deliver against targets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the confidence to handle both complex and sensitive contacts
• Excellent internal stakeholder management: from shop teams up to Board level, including working directly with our CEO
• Ability to present Pret in a professional manner
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Excellent judgment in identifying potential risks and opportunities
• Calm under pressure
• Commercial outlook and analytical mind
• Fast to respond, quick-witted and concise

3 Pret Behaviours

• Passion
• Clear Communication
• Team Working
• Great Execution
• Open to Change
• Business Sense
• Realising Potential
• One Pret
• Thoughtful Leadership

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 Friday 24th November 2023.

To Apply

Please visit the careers website.