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- Tasks: Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies for dairy and dessert categories.
- Company: Join KFC, a global icon serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformational journey in a dynamic procurement team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive culture await you.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 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.
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 Pan European Supply Chain team is a collection of core teams (Procurement, local market SCM teams, Centre of excellence and Sustainability) and collectively are responsible for managing the end-to-end supply chain from ‘farm’ to ‘fingers’. The function exists to help Protect and Grow all Yum! Brands and recently embarked on an exciting transformational journey towards becoming a World Class function.
Procurement is at the forefront of this transformation and we are now looking to increase our capability and capacity to deliver on these aspirations. 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.
This is an amazing opportunity to join an incredible team and business as we embark on this exciting transformational journey whilst delivering outstanding results every day. If you enjoy being part of a successful team, are inquisitive and enjoy challenging the status quo and delivering the best possible service and value to your customers then this is the role for you. This is a 12 month FTC maternity cover.
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 WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING:
- 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.
- 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.
WHAT WE’D LOVE FROM YOU:
- 5+ years' 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
- 5+ years’ 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.
- 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.
- And yes — 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 + Marketing team member. F2F Task and Interview with Hiring Manager and Marketing Director.
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.
Procurement Manager - Dairy and Desserts in Woking employer: KFC UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
KFC UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Dairy and Desserts in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KFC and its procurement processes. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of Procurement Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KFC family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - Dairy and Desserts in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, just be yourself! We want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through. Don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Procurement Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic procurement and category management, and don’t forget to mention any cool projects you've worked on that align with our goals!
Showcase Your Skills: We love a good story! Use your application to showcase your negotiation skills and stakeholder engagement experience. Give us examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past and what results you achieved.
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 amazing team at KFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around strategic sourcing and category management. Familiarise yourself with the latest market trends and supplier landscapes relevant to dairy and desserts. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the industry.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight how you managed supplier relationships and achieved cost savings. Being able to articulate your negotiation strategies will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with internal stakeholders at KFC to align procurement strategies with business objectives. This shows you’re a team player who values collaboration.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Given the focus on sustainability in the job description, be prepared to discuss your experience with ESG practices in procurement. Share any initiatives you've led or contributed to that reduced environmental impact, as this aligns perfectly with KFC's commitment to Good Growth.