At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape people strategies to enhance team performance and engagement.
- Company: Join KFC, a global icon serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our culture and employee experience.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
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.
THE TEAM
Our People and Culture team creates a place where people don’t just work - they thrive and feel genuinely proud to be part of something real. We’re here for all 36,000 members of Team KFC – shaping a bold, inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered to grow. We lead with smart, heart, and courage and are people first, always. From finding and nurturing top talent to unlocking growth opportunities, we’re ambitious about our people’s potential.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Senior People & Culture Business Partner – Operations to join Team KFC and play a pivotal leadership role in delivering our People & Culture strategy across the Equity business. This position is an evolution of the Level 8 PC Business Partner role — designed for an experienced people leader who can shape and drive complex, cross-functional People initiatives that have a strategic and operational impact across the full Equity estate.
You will partner closely with the People Operations Director and the Equity Leadership Team, leading a team of People Capability Coaches and influencing senior operations stakeholders to deliver sustainable business performance through our people. You will also hold end-to-end ownership of critical and complex cross-functional Equity-specific People projects, ensuring alignment across functions, geographies, and business priorities.
WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING
- Operate as a Strategic Partner and Senior Advisor
- Lead your region and influence across the full Equity business to maximise the effectiveness of our restaurant teams through organisational design, culture, capability, and engagement.
- Partner with Operations Directors and Equity Leaders as a trusted advisor on strategic people initiatives and workforce planning.
- Provide thought leadership to shape people strategies that drive commercial performance, engagement, and long-term talent sustainability.
- Act as a visible culture champion and trusted senior voice across the Equity leadership community.
Drive Strategic, Cross-Functional People Projects
- Lead end-to-end ownership of critical and complex People & Culture projects that have cross-functional and cross-regional impact across the Equity estate.
- Design, develop, and execute people initiatives in areas such as talent pipeline development, inclusion, organisational effectiveness, and change management.
- Partner cross-functionally (Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, and Brand) to ensure integrated delivery of People priorities.
- Leverage data, insight, and external best practice to continuously evolve our approach to people development and employee experience.
Lead and Develop Teams
- Line manage and coach a team of People Capability Coaches, ensuring delivery excellence across all aspects of operational people support.
- Build capability within your team and across the wider Equity business to drive people leadership at every level.
- Act as a mentor and coach to other P&C Business Partners, supporting a culture of continuous learning and development.
Champion Employee Experience and Engagement
- Drive the evolution of our employee engagement and recognition strategies, building a culture of performance, belonging, and pride.
- Lead initiatives that enhance employee voice and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels heard, valued, and supported.
- Partner with Communications, L&D, and Operations to embed meaningful engagement practices that deliver measurable impact.
Act as a Change Agent
- Provide strategic leadership on organisational design, talent transformation, and cultural evolution.
- Drive continuous improvement of People & Culture processes and systems to ensure the Equity business remains agile, compliant, and forward-thinking.
- Anticipate external trends and proactively adapt our people strategy to position KFC as a leading employer in the market.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:
- A strategic, forward-thinking People leader with proven experience influencing at senior levels across a complex, matrixed organisation.
- Exceptional relationship builder and communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large-scale projects with cross-functional interdependencies.
- Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical, commercial, and judgement skills.
- An inspiring coach and mentor who develops and empowers others to deliver excellence.
- Confident working in ambiguity, with high resilience and agility in a fast-paced environment.
Experience
- Extensive HR/People Business Partner experience at a senior level, ideally within a multi-site operational business.
- Proven success in leading large-scale, cross-functional people initiatives with measurable impact.
- Line management experience with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
- Strong understanding of UK employment and immigration law.
- Experience navigating complex organisational change and transformation.
ABOUT YOU
- A genuine team player
- A self-starter with curiosity, energy and adaptability
- Hungry to learn and thrive in a small, mighty team
- A practical problem-solver with strong commercial instincts
- Obsessed with high standards, momentum and getting things done
- And of course… a true KFC believer
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.
- Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London). This role is field-based but occasional visits to our RSC will be required.
- 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
- And yes—25% off the chicken
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 a Senior PCBP + Operations Leader. F2F interview & Task at our HQ, Home of The Real Ones in Woking with our People Operations Director and CPO.
KFC FOR EVERYONE: Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, KFC is a place where you can bring the real you to work. Our promise is this: every person who applies to a role at KFC, regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion or sexual orientation, will have an equal opportunity to work here. We don’t just welcome, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups from all industries.
If you’d like any additional support with your application, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance during the recruitment process, or have any other requirements — just let us know. We’ll be there to help you be the real you.
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.
HR Busines Partner in Woking employer: KFC UK & I
At KFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member can thrive. With flexible hybrid working options, generous benefits including up to 11% pension contributions, and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and development opportunities, we empower our people to reach their full potential. Located just 24 minutes from London in Woking, our Restaurant Support Centre is a hub of innovation and support, ensuring that you are never alone on your journey with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Busines Partner in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former KFC employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HR Business Partner role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by diving deep into KFC's culture and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of creating a thriving workplace. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven people initiatives in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, highlight your ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional projects. Use data-driven examples to demonstrate how you've made a measurable impact in previous roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of Team KFC. Go on, take that step!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Busines Partner in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your personality and passion for the role!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for. It’s all about showing us why you’re the perfect fit!
Answer Thoughtfully:Take your time with the application questions. We’re interested in your thought process and how you approach challenges, so give us detailed and thoughtful responses that reflect your experience.
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 and helps you stand out in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC UK & I
✨Know Your KFC Culture
Before your interview, dive deep into KFC's culture and values. Understand what it means to be part of Team KFC and how the People and Culture team shapes that experience. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in being a part of their community.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
As a Senior People & Culture Business Partner, you'll need to discuss complex people initiatives. Brush up on your knowledge of organisational design, talent transformation, and employee engagement strategies. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or led cross-functional projects.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
KFC values inspiring coaches and mentors. Prepare to discuss how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Think of specific instances where your coaching made a measurable impact, and be ready to explain your approach to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
✨Be Data-Driven
KFC is looking for someone who can leverage data to drive decisions. Familiarise yourself with key HR metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your strategies in previous roles. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and your ability to make informed decisions that align with business goals.
