At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and enhance employee engagement across KFC's operations.
- Company: Join KFC, a beloved brand serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes, private healthcare, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your unique perspective.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and people development in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR experience with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
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. We ask questions, push boundaries, and challenge the usual way of doing things - if it means building a better experience for our teams, we’re all in.
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. These initiatives will often extend beyond regional boundaries, influencing the direction of the Equity business and its organisational evolution. This is a field-based role within your region, with occasional travel to our Restaurant Support Centre (RSC) in Woking.
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:
Skills & Capabilities- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner in Woking employer: KFC UK & Ireland
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 while enjoying the perks of working for one of the world's most iconic brands. Join us in Woking, just a short commute from London, and be part of a team that values authenticity, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering the best chicken experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Human Resources Business Partner in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn and ask about their experiences. This can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Be ready to share how your experience aligns with their mission of creating a thriving workplace.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see the real you, so let your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of gratitude?
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Human Resources Business 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 Senior Human Resources Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with our People & Culture strategy. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Answer Thoughtfully:Take your time to answer the application questions thoughtfully. This is your chance to showcase your strategic thinking and how you can influence at senior levels. We’re looking for insight and depth!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining Team KFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s history and values. Understand their People & Culture strategy and how it aligns with your experience. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their mission of creating a thriving workplace.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving people initiatives. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve influenced senior stakeholders and delivered measurable results. This is your chance to shine as a strategic partner!
✨Be a Culture Champion
Since the role involves being a visible culture champion, think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and employee engagement. Share ideas on how you would enhance the employee experience and foster a sense of belonging within the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the company’s future and its people strategy. Inquire about their current challenges and how they envision the role contributing to their goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
