At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food quality and safety for KFC, ensuring top-notch standards across the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join KFC, a beloved brand serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while innovating for millions of customers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food tech, with expertise in safety and quality management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Welcome to KFC. We sell the world's best chicken and have done so since 1939. Across the UK & Ireland, we serve 1000+ communities, bringing a long-standing reputation and iconic brand to life.
The Team: Our Marketing team is a 50-strong crew of bold thinkers, culture shapers and creative doers—from Brand and Digital to Strategy, Food Quality and Innovation. We're here to keep KFC at the heart of culture across the UK & Ireland, blending iconic roots with fresh ideas.
About the Role: This is the person who keeps it real when it comes to food. At KFC, great food is at the heart of everything we do—and this role makes sure it stays that way. As Quality Manager for UK & Ireland, you'll lead the end-to-end quality, food safety and compliance agenda across one of our most important markets. You'll also run our Innovation Kitchen, playing a critical role in bringing new products to life and ensuring they land brilliantly in restaurant.
You'll be the subject matter expert across food safety, legislation and product quality—while also deeply connected to how our food is made, from supplier through to the customer experience in restaurant. Working closely with the Food & Quality Director and cross-functional teams, you'll help protect the brand while enabling innovation and growth. You'll also collaborate with our Pan-Europe Quality function, who lead supplier audits and ingredient compliance, ensuring alignment across markets.
What You Will Spend Your Time Doing: This is a broad, high-impact role spanning strategy through to execution—truly from farm to fork.
- Owning food safety, quality and legal compliance across all KFC products in UK & Ireland
- Leading and developing a small, high-performing team (Quality Technologist and Kitchen Manager)
- Delivering product and process projects from concept through to successful restaurant launch
- Acting as the guardian of product quality—ensuring consistency across every restaurant
- Leading the response to new regulations and legislation, keeping the business compliant and future-ready
- Acting as the key contact for trading standards, customer incidents and technical PR matters
- Driving continuous improvement and cost-efficiency initiatives with supply chain, suppliers and operations
- Leading product, equipment and recipe validation, including reformulation where needed
- Supporting key brand priorities such as nutrition and Halal standards
- Using data, audits and insights to identify risks and continuously raise standards
- Partnering cross-functionally to embed quality into all business decisions
- Building and championing a strong food safety culture across the organisation
Why This Role Matters: Because great food doesn't happen by accident. You'll ensure every product we serve is safe, compliant and high quality—while helping us innovate and evolve to meet changing customer expectations. It's a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with real commercial impact.
What We Love From You / About You: We're looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a practical, hands-on mindset.
- A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions
- Self-motivated, curious and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable working in a lean team with broad responsibility
- A pragmatic problem-solver with strong commercial awareness
- Passionate about high standards, continuous improvement and delivery
- Energised by working on food that reaches millions of customers
Experience:
- At least 5 years' experience in a food technical role (manufacturing, retail or food service)
- Degree in Food Science or a related discipline
- Strong expertise in food safety, quality management systems and food legislation
- Experience working across the full food supply chain, from supplier to end consumer
- Proven track record of delivering projects and influencing multiple stakeholders
- Confident managing risk, incidents and complex challenges
- Commercially aware, with a solutions-focused approach
- Able to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail
What's In It For You: We offer benefits that support you in and out of work, including flexible hybrid working and wellbeing initiatives.
- Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (remote-based with occasional visits)
- Up to 11% company pension contributions
- Fri-Yay finishes at 1pm every Friday
- 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays)
- 5 Live Well Days a year
- 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
The Road to Becoming a Real One: Apply – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions. Intro call with our Talent Team. Virtual call with Hiring Manager + Operations Franchise Lead. Face-to-face interview & task at our HQ, Home of The Real Ones in Woking.
KFC for Everyone: Whoever you are and wherever you're from, KFC is a place to bring the real you to work. Our equal opportunity promise applies to all applicants. If you'd like any additional support with your application or have any requirements, please let us know. We'll help you be the real you.
Ready? Apply if you're ready to be part of our community. If you're worried you aren't ticking all the boxes, we'd still love to hear from you.
Please note this is a 12 month Maternity contract.
Quality Lead (12 Month Contract) in Woking employer: KFC UK & I - Marketing
KFC is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements from our Woking Restaurant Support Centre. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including up to 11% pension contributions, private healthcare, and 25 days of holiday, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth within one of the world's most iconic brands. Join us to make a meaningful impact in food quality and safety while being part of a collaborative team that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Lead (12 Month Contract) in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know KFC's culture and values before your interview. We love candidates who resonate with our brand and can show how they fit into our team. Research our history, menu, and recent innovations to impress us!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some thoughtful questions for us! This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if KFC is the right fit for you. Ask about team dynamics, growth opportunities, or our approach to food quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple yet effective way to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Lead (12 Month Contract) in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: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 your passion for food quality and safety. Remember, we’re all about bringing the best chicken to our customers!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Quality Lead. Highlight your experience in food safety and quality management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do at KFC!
Answer Thoughtfully:When it comes to the application questions, take your time to answer thoughtfully. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work cross-functionally. We’re looking for those who can think strategically while keeping an eye on the details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at KFC. Let’s make great food together!
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC UK & I - Marketing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on food safety, quality management systems, and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the Quality Lead role.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in cross-functional settings. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. KFC values a pragmatic problem-solver, so be ready to discuss your approach to managing risks and incidents.
✨Passion for Quality
Express your enthusiasm for maintaining high standards in food quality and safety. Share any experiences that showcase your commitment to continuous improvement and how you've driven initiatives in this area.
