At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategies for kitchen equipment and optimise supplier performance.
- Company: Join Yum! Brands, a leader in the restaurant industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global operations and drive value across the restaurant ecosystem.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in supply chain roles and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
The Global Procurement Category Lead for Equipment, MRO and Spares is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that optimise value, availability, lifecycle cost, supplier performance and operational resilience across Yum! Brands’ restaurant equipment ecosystem. This category is focused on core kitchen equipment and the end-to-end commercial ecosystem that supports it, including equipment sourcing, landed cost management, inbound and outbound distribution, MRO requirements, spares procurement, critical spares optimisation, supplier service models, repair and maintenance support, and lifecycle cost management across Yum! Brands markets.
Responsibilities
- Develop holistic global category strategies for core kitchen equipment, MRO and spares aligned with Yum! Brands’ long-term operational, commercial and brand objectives.
- Responsible for the leadership, coaching, and professional development of direct reports, ensuring capability growth and succession readiness.
- Lead complex, multi-country sourcing events across equipment, spare parts, MRO services, repair/service networks and associated distribution requirements using structured strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Conduct advanced negotiations with major suppliers to secure competitive equipment pricing, landed cost transparency, service-level performance, warranty support, spare parts availability, risk reduction and total cost of ownership benefits.
- Monitor global market dynamics, equipment innovation, supply chain risks, landed cost drivers, supplier capability, component availability and service infrastructure.
- Engage and influence stakeholders across brands, functions, and geographies.
- Support implementation of sourcing strategies across markets with clear guidance, governance, specifications, distribution models, approved supplier pathways and compliance expectations.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration with operations, development, supply chain, finance, quality, engineering and brand teams to ensure equipment programmes are aligned with restaurant performance and brand priorities.
- Drive consistent year-on-year value creation through equipment cost management, landed cost optimisation, supplier performance, spare parts efficiency, service model improvement and innovation.
- Lead critical spares strategy and optimisation, including demand visibility, inventory parameters, replenishment models, availability targets and risk-based stocking approaches for priority equipment platforms.
- Shape repair, service and maintenance procurement strategies to improve uptime, reduce lifecycle cost, strengthen supplier accountability and support consistent restaurant execution.
- Act as a proactive self-starter who can operate independently in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
- Manage category risks across equipment supply, spare parts availability, service continuity, logistics disruption, inflation, compliance and supplier concentration, ensuring appropriate mitigation and business continuity plans are in place.
- Support franchise relationships to ensure franchisees understand and align to regional/global equipment, spares, service and sourcing strategies.
Qualifications
- 8+ years’ experience in supply chain roles.
- 5+ years’ experience of global/regional strategic category management or procurement.
- Proven experience in global procurement or category management within equipment, MRO, spares, service, logistics or adjacent operational supply categories.
- Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier strategy development, category lifecycle management, landed cost analysis and total cost of ownership management.
- High-level negotiation skills with experience in complex, multi-market agreements.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen with ability to interpret demand data, landed cost models, supplier performance metrics, service-level data and financial models.
- Ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders across cultures and seniority levels.
- Comfort navigating ambiguity with resilience and adaptability.
- Self-starter with the ability to lead initiatives independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
- Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and leadership presentations.
- Integrity and commitment to compliance and ethical sourcing.
Global Procurement Category Lead – Equipment, MRO and Spares in Woking employer: KFC
KFC in Washington, England, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and a vibrant work culture. With benefits such as bonus potential, extra holiday, and staff discounts, we foster a supportive environment where passionate leaders can thrive and make a meaningful impact on both the team and guest experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Procurement Category Lead – Equipment, MRO and Spares 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.
✨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 Global Procurement Category Lead – Equipment, MRO and Spares 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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to KFC. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
