Enhanced pension scheme
We’ll contribute up to 11%, which could mean we pay more into your pension than you do.
Category Buyer
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
We’re the engine behind the bucket - making sure every restaurant has what it needs, when it needs it. From sourcing ingredients to delivering packaging, furniture, and even marketing, our Supply Chain & Procurement team owns the journey from farm to fingers. We think big, challenge the status quo, and collaborate across the business to keep KFC running smoothly and growing strong.
About the role
The Category Buyer is responsible for the purchasing of goods and services necessary for to achieve the category and wider business objectives. This role ensures that procurement activities are cost-effective, timely, and compliant with internal policies and external regulations. The Buyer develops and maintains supplier relationships, negotiates terms, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to meet business needs
What you’ll do
Sourcing & Contracting
- Run Procurement processes RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives.
- Support contract development and management activities, including renewals
- Assist in the development and execution of procurement strategies and cost-saving initiativesand amendments.
Supply Chain Performance
- Contribute to procurement reporting and analysis, including spend analysis, cost trends, and savings tracking
- Develop and maintain a KPI scorecard system to track the performance for projects and strategies
Stakeholder Engagement
- Facilitate regular communication between suppliers and internal teams to ensure expectations are clear and delivery milestones are met
- Support cross-functional teams in supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation
- Provide guidance and support to stakeholders regarding procurement processes, sourcing options, and policy compliance
- Participate in project meetings, business reviews, and supplier audits alongside key internal stakeholders
Risk & Compliance Management
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve supply-related issues to ensure continuity of supply
- Support identification and mitigation of category-specific risks including supply chain disruptions and non-compliance
- Track adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Experience
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and cost-conscious mindset
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Familiarity with procurement and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa)
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (e.g., import/export, ethical sourcing)
ABOUT YOU
- Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Quick to learn and apply new knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, or a related field
- Strong experience in a procurement, sourcing, or buying role
- Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM, etc.) are desirable but not required
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.
Ready?
We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.
Worried you aren’t ticking all the boxes? Don’t - we’d still love to hear from you.
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.
Welcome to KFC.
Home of the real ones.
We sell the world’s best chicken. We’ve done it for a long old time — since 1939, when the idea of finger lickin’ good chicken popped into our Colonel’s head. Now, we proudly serve 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing the grit, pride and iconic reputation that started in Kentucky all those years ago.
People who are original. Individual. Fresh. We come to work to be ourselves, and to make something of ourselves. We bring the graft and the laughs every day — building our own community, as we serve our original recipe chicken to the ones we’re in.
In our place, ambition grows. Careers build. Potential goes further. Our doors are open, and they can take you anywhere.
If you join our team, we only ask one thing. That you be you.
Because that makes us, us.
Job Location Details
Guildford Road, Woking, United Kingdom, GU22 7NJ Get directions
Discover our business
Perks, rewards and benefits.
We do things our own way here. And that includes the way we reward you for bringing the graft. And the laughs, too.
Here’s what the real deal could look like for you.
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Fri-Yay finishes
Clock off at 1pm on a Friday all year round - and make your workdays zing with virtual commutes and hybrid/flexible working.
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5 wellbeing days each year
Get 5 extra days to look after you and your wellbeing - on top of your usual holiday allowance.
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Generous bonus scheme
We reward strong performance and our bonuses could mean you earn well above industry norms.
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Enhanced Holidays
You’ll start off with 25 days’ holiday, which rises to 30 days after 5 years. Plus you have the option to buy and sell additional days.
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Professional 1-2-1 coaching
Personal development, growth and fulfilment come with the territory at KFC.
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Healthcare and life protection
From private medical insurance to critical illness, life assurance, income protection, dental plan, cancer checks and even a digital GP, we’ve got your covered.
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Lifestyle-friendly perks
Flex your package with travel insurance, cycle scheme, retail discounts, charity giving, tech scheme, food and drink discount cards and much more.
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25% KFC discount
Big discounts on your finger lickin' favorites.
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Discounted gym membership
Stay strong with up to 25% off gym membership, up to 50% off home workouts and up to 70% off home and lifestyle purchases.
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Full employee assistance programme
Lots of well supported wellbeing services including mental health support, legal advice and more for you and your family.
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Free mortgage advice
We can help you get on - or climb up - the property ladder.
Our Process
If you’re wondering what happens next after you click apply, we’ve got you covered right here. And if you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, just shout.
Stage 1: Hit Apply
Hit the apply button and we’ll send you confirmation that we've received your CV. We'll be in touch shortly afterwards with next steps.
Stage 2: A quick chat
One of our Talent Acquisition Partners will call you for an informal chat. This is about getting to know each other a little bit more, and talking through the role in more detail.
Stage 3: Your interviews
If you’ve applied for a Restaurant Support Centre role, this will be a 2-stage process. First, we’ll kick things off with an interview with your coach. Then, we’ll follow up with another interview that might include a task.
If you’ve applied for a restaurant role, you’ll get to meet the manager you’ll work with. We'll tell you where to head for your interview, and how to check in when you arrive at the restaurant.
Stage 4: You smashed it!
Landed an offer for a Restaurant Support Centre role? Congratulations! The next steps involve completing your right to work checks via TrustID, and signing your contract once everything's sorted. Your Talent Acquisition Partner will walk you through it all.
Got the nod for a restaurant role? You’re the best! We’ll ask you to complete an online Right-To-Work check, then we’ll send your formal offer and benefits calculation via email. We’ll also need some details from you so we can order your uniform. Finally, we’ll write to you with an official offer, more info on who you’ll report to, and your contract.
Wherever you join us, your People Capability Coach will make sure your first day is one you’ll always remember. For all the right reasons.
Apply now.
Click to apply.
Apply