At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategies for restaurant indirects, optimising costs and enhancing supplier partnerships.
- Company: Join Yum! Brands, a leader in the restaurant industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and influence key stakeholders across the globe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sourcing strategies and drive sustainability in the restaurant sector.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement and strategic sourcing, with expertise in restaurant operations.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Global Procurement Category Lead - Restaurant Indirects is responsible for defining and executing global category strategies that optimise total cost of ownership, strengthen supplier partnerships, improve operational resilience, and support Yum! Brands' restaurant growth agenda across global markets. The role serves as the strategic category authority for restaurant indirect spend, partnering closely with global brand, development, operations, facilities, finance, and franchise stakeholders to deliver sustainable value and competitive advantage.
The Restaurant Indirects category encompasses global spend associated with the development, operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of Yum! Brands restaurants. Scope includes construction and fit‑out services, architectural and design services, furniture, fixtures and signage, facilities management, utilities, cleaning and sanitation, chemicals, waste and recycling, pest control, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and related operational support services.
Responsibilities
- Develop, align stakeholders around, and execute multi‑year global category strategies that deliver commercial value, operational excellence, risk mitigation, sustainability, and innovation.
- Lead complex, multi‑country sourcing initiatives and collaborate with regional teams and franchisees to drive adoption and realise benefits.
- Conduct high‑value negotiations with strategic suppliers to secure optimal commercial outcomes, service performance, operational resilience, and risk reduction.
- Monitor global market dynamics, supplier capabilities, inflationary pressures, innovation trends, sustainability developments, and emerging risks across the Restaurant Indirects portfolio.
- Influence senior stakeholders across Global Operations, Development, Finance, Brand Leadership, Supply Chain, and Franchisee organisations to align sourcing strategies with business priorities.
- Build executive‑level relationships with strategic suppliers and represent Yum! Brands in key commercial negotiations, supplier forums, and industry engagements.
- Support the implementation of sourcing strategies across markets through effective governance, supplier playbooks, communication plans, and adoption support.
- Foster cross‑functional collaboration to ensure category strategies align with brand standards, restaurant development plans, facilities requirements, and sustainability objectives.
- Drive year‑on‑year value creation through strategic sourcing, supplier performance improvement, specification optimisation, demand management, and innovation.
- Operate effectively in a fast‑paced and evolving environment, proactively identifying opportunities and solving complex business challenges.
- Manage category risks and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies, supplier resilience plans, compliance requirements, and business continuity measures are in place.
- Support franchisee engagement and alignment to global and regional sourcing programmes where applicable.
Capabilities & Experience
- 10+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, supply chain, or a related commercial discipline, including significant exposure to global or multi‑market environments.
- 5+ years of experience in strategic category management, ideally across restaurant indirects, facilities management, construction services, utilities, sanitation, waste management, MRO, or related operational services.
- Proven success managing complex, multi‑market supplier portfolios and sourcing programmes across indirect spend categories.
- Strong understanding of restaurant development, facilities operations, service delivery models, supplier governance, and franchise business environments.
- Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, category strategy development, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and category lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated experience negotiating complex regional or global agreements and implementing supplier performance frameworks.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret data, financial models, supplier proposals, cost drivers, and market intelligence to support decision‑making.
- Experience applying total cost of ownership (TCO), should‑cost modelling, value engineering, and other value optimisation methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to lead strategically within complex, matrixed, and ambiguous global organisations while balancing competing stakeholder priorities and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority across international markets.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence audiences at all organisational levels.
- Resilience, adaptability, and sound judgement when navigating ambiguity and change.
- High levels of integrity and commitment to compliance, ethical sourcing, supplier accountability, and responsible business practices.
Global Procurement Category Lead - Restaurant Indirects in Knaphill employer: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Yum! Brands is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our operations. As a Global Procurement Category Lead, you will have access to unparalleled growth opportunities, working alongside industry leaders to drive strategic initiatives that enhance our restaurant operations globally. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a competitive benefits package and a supportive environment that values professional development.
Contact Details:
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Procurement Category Lead - Restaurant Indirects in Knaphill
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Global Procurement Category Lead - Restaurant Indirects in Knaphill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
How to prepare for a job interview at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)'s culture.
