At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for procurement categories.
- Company: Join KFC UK & Ireland, serving iconic chicken since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous pension contributions, and bonus schemes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while driving sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in procurement and excellent negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We sell the world’s best chicken. Since 1939, we’ve served 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing iconic flavor and pride to every table. At the Restaurant Support Centre (RSC) we empower people to bring their best selves to work. We support our restaurants and help them thrive – and you’ll be part of that journey.
About the role
The Procurement Category Manager develops and implements strategic sourcing strategies for specific procurement categories to deliver long‑term value, cost savings, risk mitigation and supplier performance. The role works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure category strategies align with business objectives and market trends.
Responsibilities
- Category Strategy Development
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories.
- Analyse market trends, supply/demand dynamics and supplier landscapes.
- Identify, evaluate and manage key suppliers to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives.
- Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews and relationship initiatives.
- Sourcing & Contracting
- Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives.
- Negotiate and manage contracts, securing commercial terms, SLAs and KPIs.
- 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 (Sustainability)
- Drive sustainability initiatives within suppliers that reduce environmental impact and support 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 organisations.
- 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.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Effective team worker.
- Strong drive for results and ambition to grow and develop within the organisation.
Benefits
- Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London).
- Up to 11% company pension contributions.
- Friday finishes at 1pm every Friday.
- 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.
- 25% off the chicken.
Application Process
- Apply – submit CV and respond to a few application questions.
- Intro call with our Talent Team.
- Virtual call with Hiring Manager + an Excel task.
- Virtual call with a stakeholder.
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.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Purchasing, Project Management, and Supply Chain
Industries: Food & Beverages, Retail, and Food and Beverage Retail
Category Manager - Directs in Woking employer: KFC UK & Ireland
At KFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where individuality is celebrated and personal growth is encouraged. As a General Manager, you'll lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding guest experiences while enjoying competitive benefits such as performance-based bonuses, extra holiday, and comprehensive wellbeing support. Join us in a community that values your unique contributions and supports your career ambitions, all while serving the world’s best chicken.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Directs in Woking
✨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 KFC UK & Ireland.
✨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 Category Manager - Directs in Woking
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 KFC UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to KFC UK & Ireland. 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 KFC UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC UK & Ireland
✨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 KFC UK & Ireland!
✨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 KFC UK & Ireland. 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 KFC UK & Ireland's culture.
