At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects to enhance restaurant operations and improve team experiences.
- Company: Join KFC, a beloved brand serving communities since 1939.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, early finishes, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of restaurant operations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in innovation, strategy, and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 9.9 - 12.1 £ per hour.
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.
Our Operations teams are where the real magic happens - running over 250 company-owned restaurants across the UK and Ireland, supporting our teams on the ground, solving challenges and driving for better every day. It’s hands-on, people-first work, packed with real growth, real impact, and plenty of fun along the way. From the teams serving up the Colonel’s Original Recipe to life, to the leaders driving customer excellence, food safety, risk and compliance, we are an army of bold, passionate, guest obsessed people, keeping KFC at its best.
As Innovation Lead, you'll shape the future of restaurant operations at KFC UK&I. You'll define and deliver our Operations Innovation Strategy, leading a portfolio of initiatives that improve the experience for our teams, franchisees and guests. Working across the business, you'll turn ambitious ideas into practical, scalable solutions that drive operational excellence and commercial results.
WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING?
- Lead the Operations Innovation portfolio from concept through to rollout and adoption.
- Turn business strategy into clear innovation priorities and delivery plans.
- Drive cross-functional programmes across Operations, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, Commercial and Global teams.
- Lead restaurant pilots and market tests, using insights to shape future initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with franchisees and stakeholders to drive engagement and adoption.
- Develop business cases, manage governance and track the benefits of innovation initiatives.
- Champion continuous improvement that enhances restaurant performance, team experience and guest satisfaction.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:
- A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- An influential leader who brings people together to deliver change.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance big-picture thinking with operational practicality.
- Confidence leading complex, cross-functional programmes in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative approach and a drive to make a measurable impact.
EXPERIENCE
- Essential Experience in Innovation, Strategy, Transformation or Operational Excellence.
- Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional change programmes.
- Strong project or programme management experience.
- Experience developing business cases and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Desirable: Experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality or another multi-site environment.
- Experience working with franchise businesses.
- Knowledge of operating model design, change management and innovation delivery.
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 + Finance Manager.
- 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.
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.
Project Manager, Business Strategy in Woking employer: Restaurant Excellence
At KFC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that nurtures talent and fosters a vibrant work culture. As an Area Coach, you'll enjoy flexible schedules, opportunities for cross-training, and the chance to earn qualifications while leading dynamic teams in a fun and energetic environment. We are committed to your growth and success, ensuring that you have the support and resources needed to thrive in your career with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager, Business Strategy in Woking
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Project Manager, Business Strategy at Restaurant Excellence!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Restaurant Excellence or be willing to refer you for that Project Manager, Business Strategy position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Restaurant Excellence who’s on the lookout for their next Project Manager, Business Strategy star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Project Manager, Business Strategy role at Restaurant Excellence!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager, Business Strategy in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Restaurant Excellence. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Restaurant Excellence
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Restaurant Excellence. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
