Category Manager

Welcome to KFC

Take one man with a big idea, add 11 herbs and spices, grit, ambition, and buckets of heart – you’ve got KFC.

Since 1939, we’ve been bringing finger lickin’ good chicken to the world, and today we’re proud to be in over 1000 communities across the UK & Ireland. But without our people, none of it would be possible. Just like our recipe, they’re all original.

Join us. Bring it. And together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary.

Bringing it to the role.

KFC Europe is one of YUM’s largest Regions and significant profit contributor. It has over 2000 stores across 4 BMU’s: UK; France; WEBU (Westen Europe) & CEE (Central and Eastern Europe). The region is expected to grow at over 250 stores per annum. This role is focussed on delivering value across the whole region and due to the untapped potential, the opportunity provides scope for a driven category buyer to make a huge impact across a large number of countries and franchise partners.

What you’ll do

• Category manager procurement role involving partnering with regional tech leads to lead procurement and create value for the business
• Supports the definition of the category and sourcing strategy that delivers on short- and long-term goals of the BMUs
• Owns the regional ‘Value Plan” for their Category
• Lead own workstream and forum for value creation – managing meetings, people and total project execution
• Supports the Category Leader in the definition and implementation long term category strategy that delivers against the needs of KFC by:
• Aligning and partnering closely with relevant stakeholders to consider KFC Europe BMUs’ priorities
• Creating the Category Strategy integrating internal factors (e.g. technical requirements) and external factors (e.g. supply market dynamics)
• Researching and selecting the right levers for each sub-category to extract maximum value from the procurement spend, ensuring the inclusion of non-commercial levers (e.g. specification improvement, partnerships)
• Conducting the category risk management, identifying potential risks and developing mitigation plans
• Implements strategic sourcing projects by:
• Engaging stakeholders and the required cross-functional resources
• Creating the necessary spend visibility to conduct relevant analyses and shape the sourcing approach
• Conduct each step along the end-to-end sourcing process to achieve market AOPs (annual operating plan) including tender preparation, negotiation, analysis, supplier selection, contracting and KPI set-up, monitoring and supplier transition

What we’d love from you

EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of Procurement or Supply Chain experience
• 2+ years in a Category Manager equivalent role preferably in tech, IT Procurement, FMCG
• Proven experience in autonomously conducting cost and supply projects
• Proven experience of working collaboratively in complex stakeholder environment
• Very strong analytical skills and financial acumen as well as methodical problem solving and drive for result
• Proven experience in category management
• Proven experience in defining contract KPIs and successfully driving supplier performance
• Proven track-record of successful end-to-end sourcing execution

ABOUT YOU:

• Advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Strong negotiation skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Effective team worker
• Strong drive for results and ambitious to grow and develop within the organization

Be Original.

At KFC, everyone gets a seat at our table. Since we landed in the UK in 1965, we’ve fed our people’s potential – to be their best selves, make a difference and have fun.

Because it’s not just what you do at KFC. It’s the way you do it. Unapologetically you, undeniably original.

You’ll work with colleagues who all bring their originality to the table: their energy, spirit and sizzle and make every day high flyin’ and high fryin’.

As a multi-billion-pound business with over 1000 restaurants, we take ambition seriously. You’ll be treated with respect and supported in everything you do as you roll up your sleeves and play your part in bringing finger lickin’ good chicken to our customers. And whatever your journey looks like, we’ll help you get there. From flexible working to the chance to earn qualifications, we got you. There are all kinds of opportunities at KFC.

Buckets of Benefits

A career with KFC offers much more than just fantastic earning potential. We reward achievement with amazing incentives and benefits, including:

• Flexible, hybrid working with our Restaurant Support Centre located in Woking, Surrey – a 24-minute train ride from London Waterloo. Depending on job requirement, travel across the UK & Ireland may be required.
• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution.
• ‘Fri-Yay’ time – finish up at 1pm every Friday, all year round.
• Live Well Days - 5 days per year to disconnect from our day-to-day (in addition to 25 days annual leave and bank holidays).
• You can buy or sell up to 5 extra days of your core annual leave allowance each year.
• After 5 years’ service, annual holiday allowance increases to 30 days.
• Bonus – We work hard and do our best work to succeed together. When the company and individual goals are reached, you’ll be rewarded through our bonus scheme.
• Wellness– We want you to be your best self, so you’ll have access to lots of wellbeing initiatives and programmes, including Telus Health, and 1:1 Mental Health coaching sessions with our partner Sanctus.
• Private healthcare, including access to Digital GP, with the option to increase to include family cover.

Flexible and Voluntary benefits including Dental Insurance, Health Screening and Gym Discounts.

• Insurances – All colleagues are covered by our life and income protection insurance which provides protection and peace of mind.
• Study Support may be available for job-related qualifications.
• Parental Leave – We offer enhanced paid leave and flexible return to work options for those important times.
• Colleague Discount – If you love KFC as much as we do, you’ll received a 25% discount.

Our Commitment to You

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our teams. We value, support, and celebrate the things that make Team KFC authentic and original and all candidates – regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion, or sexual orientation.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups in our industry such as women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

To make your journey with us accessible and tailored to your needs, we encourage you to let us know if you'd like any additional support with your application, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance during your recruitment process, or any other requirements.

Neurodiverse? Our accessibility toolbar can support you when you apply.

Ready to apply?

If you are ready to bring your passion, skills, and dedication to KFC, we encourage you to apply now. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and embarking on this extraordinary journey together. Bring it.

Don’t tick all the boxes? Don’t worry. If you don’t match all the criteria for the role and still think you’d be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you.