Category Manager - Directs in Woking

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.

The Team: We’re the engine behind the bucket - making sure every restaurant has what it needs, when it needs it. From sourcing ingredients to delivering packaging, furniture, and even marketing, our Supply Chain & Procurement team owns the journey from farm to fingers. We think big, challenge the status quo, and collaborate across the business to keep KFC running smoothly and growing strong.

About the role: The Procurement Category Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing strategies for specific procurement categories to deliver long-term value, cost savings, risk mitigation, and supplier performance. This role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure category strategies align with business objectives and market trends.

What you’ll do:

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories aligned with organizational goals. Analyse market trends, supply/demand dynamics, and supplier landscapes.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Identify, evaluate, and manage key suppliers to ensure quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met. Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews, and relationship management initiatives.
• Sourcing & Contracting: Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives. Negotiate and manage contracts, ensuring commercial terms, SLAs, and KPIs are aligned with company requirements.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the procurement lead and subject matter expert for assigned categories. Collaborate with business units, legal, finance, and technical teams to define procurement requirements and ensure alignment.
• Cost Management & Savings Delivery: Deliver cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing, demand management, and supplier innovation. Track and report savings and procurement performance metrics.
• DTRW: Drive sustainability initiatives within suppliers which reduce environmental impact & support the brand's commitment to Good Growth.
• Risk & Compliance Management: Identify and mitigate category-specific risks including supply chain disruptions and non-compliance. Ensure adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Experience:

• Strong experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain.
• Proven experience in developing category strategies and managing end-to-end sourcing processes.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience in multinational or matrix organizations.
• Knowledge of ESG/sustainable procurement practices.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM, PMP).

About You:

• Demonstrable experience in senior supply chain roles, ideally within food industry or related field.
• Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Quick to learn and apply new knowledge.
• Values action over activity.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective team worker.
• Strong drive for results and ambitious to grow and develop within the organization.

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. You’ll get:

• Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London).
• Up to 11% company pension contributions.
• Fri-Yay finishes at 1 pm every Friday.
• 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays).
• 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 + an excel task, virtual call with a stakeholder. Ready? We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.