Enhanced pension scheme
We’ll contribute up to 11%, which could mean we pay more into your pension than you do.
Category Manager - Directs
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 Procurement Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies for specific procurement categories to deliver long-term value, cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier performance. This role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure category strategies align with business objectives and market trends.
What you’ll do
Category Strategy Development
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories aligned with organizational goals
- Analyse market trends, supply/demand dynamics, and supplier landscapes
Supplier Relationship Management
- Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
- Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews, and relationship management initiatives.
Sourcing & Contracting
- Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives.
- Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring commercial terms, SLAs, and KPIs are aligned with company requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the procurement lead and subject matter expert for assigned categories.
- Collaborate with business units, legal, finance, and technical teams to define procurement requirements and ensure alignment
Cost Management & Savings Delivery
- Deliver cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing, demand management, and supplier innovation.
- Track and report savings and procurement performance metrics
DTRW
- Drive sustainability initiatives within suppliers which reduce environmental impact & support the brands commitment to Good Growth
Risk & Compliance Management
- Identify and mitigate category-specific risks including supply chain disruptions and non-compliance
- Ensure adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Experience
- Strong experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain.
- Proven experience in developing category strategies and managing end-to-end sourcing processes.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commercial and financial acumen.
- Experience in multinational or matrix organizations.
- Knowledge of ESG/sustainable procurement practices.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, PMP).
ABOUT YOU
- Demonstrable experience in Senior supply chain roles, ideally within food industry or related field
- Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Quick to learn and apply new knowledge
- Values action over activity
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Effective team worker
- Strong drive for results and ambitious to grow and develop within the organization
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.
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 Recruitment Process
Understanding the recruitment process in our support centre.
You can also get some Hints and Tips from our team to understand our process here.
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Your Application
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.
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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.
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Your Interviews
Following a successful phone interview, there will be a 2-stage process. We’ll kick things off with a meeting with your Hiring Manager, and then you'll get to meet other key leaders in the business. The final stage interview may include a task to complete.
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Join The Real Ones - Congrats!
Next steps are onboarding! Offer, RTW checks, contacts and getting to know the team!
Apply now.
Click to apply.
Apply