At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food quality and safety while leading innovative projects at KFC.
- Company: Join KFC, a beloved brand serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, early finishes, and 25% off chicken!
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values your unique self.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality for millions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food tech and a degree in Food Science required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is the person who keeps it real when it comes to food. At KFC, great food is at the heart of everything we do—and this role makes sure it stays that way. As Quality Manager for UK & Ireland, you’ll lead the end-to-end quality, food safety and compliance agenda across one of our most important markets. You’ll also run our Innovation Kitchen, playing a critical role in bringing new products to life and ensuring they land brilliantly in restaurant. You’ll be the subject matter expert across food safety, legislation and product quality—but also deeply connected to how our food is made, from supplier through to the customer experience in restaurant. Working closely with the Food & Quality Director and cross-functional teams, you’ll help protect the brand while enabling innovation and growth. You’ll also collaborate with our Pan-Europe Quality function, who lead supplier audits and ingredient compliance, ensuring alignment across markets.
WHAT YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME DOING:
- Owning food safety, quality and legal compliance across all KFC products in UK & Ireland
- Leading and developing a small, high-performing team (Quality Technologist and Kitchen Manager)
- Delivering product and process projects from concept through to successful restaurant launch
- Acting as the guardian of product quality—ensuring consistency across every restaurant
- Leading the response to new regulations and legislation, keeping the business compliant and future-ready
- Acting as the key contact for trading standards, customer incidents and technical PR matters
- Driving continuous improvement and cost-efficiency initiatives with supply chain, suppliers and operations
- Leading product, equipment and recipe validation, including reformulation where needed
- Supporting key brand priorities such as nutrition and Halal standards
- Using data, audits and insights to identify risks and continuously raise standards
- Partnering cross-functionally to embed quality into all business decisions
- Building and championing a strong food safety culture across the organisation
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
Because great food doesn’t happen by accident. You’ll ensure every product we serve is safe, compliant and high quality—while helping us innovate and evolve to meet changing customer expectations. It’s a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with real commercial impact.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:
We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a practical, hands-on mindset. A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions. Self-motivated, curious and adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable working in a lean team with broad responsibility. A pragmatic problem-solver with strong commercial awareness. Passionate about high standards, continuous improvement and delivery. Energised by working on food that reaches millions of customers.
EXPERIENCE:
- At least 5 years’ experience in a food technical role (manufacturing, retail or food service)
- Degree in Food Science or a related discipline
- Strong expertise in food safety, quality management systems and food legislation
- Experience working across the full food supply chain, from supplier to end consumer
- Proven track record of delivering projects and influencing multiple stakeholders
- Confident managing risk, incidents and complex challenges
- Commercially aware, with a solutions-focused approach
- Able to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail
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 remote based but occasional visits to our RSC will be required.
- 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
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 + Operations Franchise Lead. F2F interview & Task at our HQ, Home of The Real Ones in Woking.
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.
Please note this is a 12 month Maternity contract.
HR Busines Partner in Woking employer: Marketing
KFC is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements from our Woking Restaurant Support Centre, just 24 minutes from London. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including up to 11% pension contributions, 25 days of holiday, and unique perks like Fri-Yay early finishes and Live Well Days, all while fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth within one of the world's most iconic brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Busines Partner in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former KFC employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HR Business Partner role. Personal connections can give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by diving deep into KFC's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to quality and innovation. When you show that you understand what makes KFC tick, you'll stand out as a candidate who truly gets the brand.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific situations where you've demonstrated your skills in food safety, compliance, or team leadership. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Busines 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 food and quality.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Quality Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in food safety and quality management, and don’t forget to mention any projects you've led that align with our values.
Answer Thoughtfully:When it comes to those application questions, take your time. Think about how your skills and experiences relate to the role and the KFC culture. We love a good story, so share examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at KFC!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marketing
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on food safety, quality management systems, and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential expert who can contribute to KFC's commitment to high standards.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
KFC values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and how you’ve influenced stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Be a Problem Solver
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you tackled them. KFC is looking for someone who can manage risk and navigate complex situations, so showcasing your pragmatic problem-solving skills will set you apart.
✨Bring Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for food and quality shine through during the interview. Talk about what drives you in the food industry and how you stay updated on trends. This passion will resonate with KFC's mission and culture, making you a memorable candidate.
