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- Tasks: Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for KFC's procurement categories.
- Company: Join KFC, a beloved brand serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive culture to help you thrive.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
- 25% off the chicken.
Because real ones deserve real rewards.
The Road to becoming a real one... Apply (Go on... do it) – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions. Intro call with our Talent Team, Virtual call with Hiring Manager + an excel task, Virtual call with a stakeholder.
Ready? We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.
Category Manager - Directs in Woking employer: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
Contact Detail:
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Directs in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know KFC inside out! Research our history, values, and what makes us tick. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of our iconic brand.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at KFC. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your skills align with the role of Category Manager. Be ready to discuss your experience in strategic procurement and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering the best chicken to our communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KFC family. So, go on, hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Directs in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our iconic brand.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Category Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and category management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Use your application to showcase your achievements in previous roles. Whether it’s cost savings, successful supplier negotiations, or innovative sourcing strategies, we want to know how you've made an impact in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific procurement categories you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and how they align with KFC's goals. This knowledge will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss your past experiences in supplier negotiations. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to achieve cost savings and manage supplier relationships effectively. This is crucial for the role!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve engaged with stakeholders to define procurement requirements and ensure alignment with business objectives.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
KFC values sustainability, so come equipped with ideas on how to drive sustainability initiatives within the supply chain. Discuss any experience you have with ESG practices and how they can benefit the company.
