At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for KFC and Taco Bell, ensuring quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join Yum! UK & I Europe, a leader in the food service industry.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Europe and a focus on collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of beloved brands and drive innovation in the food industry.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement with strong leadership and strategic sourcing skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Yum! UK & I Europe is a part of One Yum! Supply Chain Centre of Excellence (COE), set up to support KFC and Taco Bell with one supply chain, one purpose and one bold goal: unmatched profitability for every restaurant. The COE works horizontally across brands, markets, functions, franchisees and suppliers to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable supply; improve restaurant paybacks; accelerate growth; and power brand strategies through world-class category management, supplier partnerships, data, governance and innovation execution.
Role purpose
Lead the Direct category agenda, building multi-year category strategies that deliver value, quality, food safety, resilience, sustainability and innovation for KFC and Taco Bell restaurants. Shape the food and packaging supply base behind two of the world's most loved restaurant brands. This is a senior leadership role with the mandate to make direct procurement a growth engine - creating customer-loved products, stronger franchise economics and a resilient supplier ecosystem across Europe. You will lead the Direct category organisation across food, packaging and critical menu inputs, acting as the strategic lead between brand teams, FSQA, innovation, operations, finance, franchisees and suppliers.
Responsibilities
- Set the 5-year Direct procurement strategy and translate it into category roadmaps, sourcing plans, value creation pipelines and risk mitigation plans.
- Lead and coach a high-performing team of category leads, creating clarity, pace and capability.
- Work horizontally across Marketing, Food Innovation, FSQA, Operations, Finance, Sustainability, market teams, franchisees and Global Supply Chain to ensure category strategies serve restaurant needs.
- Use supplier briefs, supplier events and executive supplier forums to unlock innovation, capacity, cost competitiveness and speed to market.
- Own senior strategic supplier relationships, negotiation guardrails, commercial governance and long-term pricing mechanisms across critical categories.
- Ensure food safety, quality, responsible sourcing, sustainability and business continuity guardrails are embedded in all category strategies and supplier decisions.
- Drive value engineering and portfolio optimisation while protecting brand standards and customer experience.
What success looks like
- Improved restaurant economics through validated savings, cost avoidance, payback improvement and total cost optimisation.
- Reliable execution for KFC and Taco Bell markets, with stronger supplier performance, fewer disruptions and clear issue ownership.
- Category strategies that are understood by brands, functions, franchisees and suppliers, and translated into practical delivery plans.
- A supplier ecosystem that brings innovation, resilience, quality, food safety, sustainability and competitive advantage to the business.
Qualifications
- 10+ years' experience in procurement, supply chain or category leadership, ideally in QSR, foodservice, FMCG, retail or a multi-market consumer environment.
- Proven success leading direct food, packaging or ingredient categories at regional or enterprise scale.
- Strong knowledge of supplier relationship management, strategic sourcing, cost modelling, commodity exposure, negotiation and value creation.
- Credibility with senior stakeholders and the ability to influence across brands, markets, functions, franchisees and suppliers without relying on hierarchy.
- Understanding of food safety, quality, sustainability and supply resilience requirements in a consumer-facing food business.
- Experience leading teams, building capability and turning a strategy into measurable outcomes.
- Commercially sharp, externally curious and comfortable challenging established thinking with data, judgement and pace.
How you will work
- Strategic and hands-on; able to move from senior stakeholder debate to practical execution.
- A relationship builder who can bring suppliers, franchisees and functions around a common agenda.
- Comfortable with ambiguity, pace and a matrix environment where influence matters as much as authority.
Working pattern: Hybrid role based from Woking, with European market, restaurant and supplier travel as required.
Head of Direct Category Procurement 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 Head of Direct Category Procurement 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 Head of Direct Category Procurement 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.
