Programme Manager

Welcome to KFC. Home of the real ones.

We sell the world’s best chicken. Seriously. And we’ve done it since 1939, when the idea of crispy, original recipe chicken took Kentucky by storm. Now, we’re proud to serve 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing the grit, pride and iconic reputation that we started with, all those years ago.

Across the Restaurant Support Centre (RSC), we come to work to be ourselves, and to make something of ourselves. We want to see our potential go that little bit further, as part of one of the world’s most iconic brands.

What’s the gig? Well, you support our restaurants — and we’ll support you every step of the way. Simple. Our doors are open — and they can take you anywhere.

All we ask is that you be you. Because that makes us, us. Sound good? Great. Let’s find out about that job.

THE TEAM

Our Tech team is a 60+ strong team of curious minds, building the digital experiences that power KFC – from app to kiosk, delivery to checkout. We work cross-functionally, move fast, and stay focused on what matters: creating smart solutions that make things better for our customers and our teams.

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced and adaptable Programme Manager to lead strategic initiatives across digital, infrastructure, and operational domains. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of managing complex projects, engaging diverse stakeholders, and delivering impactful outcomes in a fast-paced environment. This is a brilliant opportunity for a technologist to expose themselves to a broad range of functions across the business. Key opportunities within the role include:

• Implementation of delivery models across tech to enable better delivery and reduce cost/resource waste.
• Engagement with senior stakeholders around planning and scoping to ensure all teams are working towards a strategic goal/vision.
• Management of the Tech Programme with a great understanding of all workstreams and their status.
• Work and collaborate with cross functional, cross market and cross brand teams, leveraging the UK markets skills to support global initiatives.

A track record in managing and delivering programmes is required for this role, enabling us to ensure the correct individual can be empowered to bring this experience into our business.

What will you spend your time doing?

You will report into the Head of Support, Infrastructure & Security and work across all Tech teams. You will manage Project Managers and support the project/programme matrix teams (PMO/BA).

• Create a method for monitoring the progress of KFC UKI programmes and improving delivery efficiency.
• Manage Project Managers within the portfolio, ensuring they are set up for success and clear on expected ways of working.
• Create a disciplined portfolio, ensuring project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, issues, decisions are well tracked and effectively managed.
• Being a great communicator to both our internal stakeholders (other head office functions) and Restaurants ensuring they are engaged when necessary and supported when needed.
• Build rapport and establish great relationships with both strategic partners and Franchises when necessary.
• Confident in presenting to a wide range of stakeholders across varying levels of seniority and ensuing content is tailored to be engaging and succinct.
• Being able to deal with conflict when it arises, ensuring that all parties involved are respected and considered, but ultimately the decision remains in line with the best outcome for the business.
• Coach, mentor, motivate, and supervise team members and contractors and influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work.

What we love from you:

Qualifications in project management (agile/waterfall) are required, with any technical qualifications preferred, however applicants with equivalent experience and proven track records will also be considered.

• Programme Management Qualification across either a waterfall or agile framework.
• Proven delivery track record with technology software and hardware.
• Demonstrable experience working as an IT Programme Manager.
• Exposure to working in a like-for-like environment across either Hospitality or Retail.
• Experience working with other markets (brands and location) to leverage broader decisions and support global strategic direction.
• Experience in setting up and running Programmes.
• Clear and concise communicator, including ability to present to C-suite execs.
• Great stakeholder management skills, including demonstrating ability to influence and lead.
• Experience in running workshops to ideate and align stakeholders.
• Project leadership, demonstrating end-to-end delivery, Agile/Waterfall hybrid methodologies.
• Analytical mindset leveraging data to make decisions and ensure all parties are clear on the knowledge derived from this analysis.
• Ability to work in a high pressured and agile environment, ensuring teams remain focused and on-track.
• Can demonstrate senior vendor relationship management skills, including contract negotiations and supplier reviews.
• Adaptable, with the ability to switch domains, manage ambiguity and cross-functional agility.
• Knowledge of PMO processes.
• Broad knowledge across a range of project management tools (Jira, Monday.com).
• Good computer literacy skills (Microsoft based applications).

What’s in it for you:

We offer benefits that make your life that little bit easier — because we know the juggle is real.

From flexible, hybrid working to Fri-Yay early finishes and Live Well Days, we’ve created a package that supports the real you, in and out of work.

You’ll get:

Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London)

Up to 11% company pension contributions

Fri-Yay finishes at 1pm every Friday

25 days’ holiday (plus bank hols)

5 Live Well Days a year, just for you

Bonus scheme linked to company & personal performance

Private healthcare, Digital GP access & mental health coaching

Enhanced parental leave and flexible return options

Study support, income protection, life cover & more

And yes — 25% off the chicken

Because real ones deserve real rewards.

THE ROAD TO BECOMING A REAL ONE...

1. Apply (Go on... do it) – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions.
2. Intro call with our Talent Team
3. Virtual call with Hiring Manager
4. Virtual call with the Leadership Team member

Ready?

We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.

• Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official careers pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.