Restaurant Communications Manager (12 Month Ftc) 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.

The Team Our People and Culture team creates a place where people don’t just work — they thrive and feel genuinely proud to be part of something real. We’re here for all 36,000 members of Team KFC – shaping a bold, inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered to grow. We lead with smart, heart, and courage and are people first, always.

What We’re Looking For This role is ideal for someone who enjoys operating in a fast-moving, high-accountability environment. Much of the work in this role is driven by fixed operational deadlines that cannot flex - meaning planning, organisation and resilience are essential. You’ll find yourself regularly influencing stakeholders and shaping priorities, alongside crafting and adapting communications. Success in this position will come from building trusted relationships, making sound decisions, and helping the business communicate change in a way that’s clear, simple and practical for restaurant teams.

As part of the role, you’ll take part in a shared out-of-hours on-call rota to occasionally support urgent operational communications when needed. In order to thrive, you must be supremely organised, comfortable managing multiple competing priorities and confident making decisions under pressure. You’ll know when to challenge, when to influence and when to move quickly. Most importantly, you’ll understand that great communications aren’t measured by how well they’re written – they're measured by whether people understand them, act on them and can deliver them in busy restaurant environments.

You’ll also have a key role in planning some big and important events – like big celebrations or large team gatherings. At KFC we love to recognise our people, celebrate their success and create memorable, meaningful events. You’ll look for amazing ways to bring magic and sparkle to all of the events you plan. Finally, the other core pillar of the role is to support some of our senior leaders in elevating their voice and using it, in the moments that matter. You’ll partner, guide and advise, as a trusted expert, on both internal and external communications, using their voice.

Experience Significant experience in internal, operational or field communications within a fast-paced, multi-site business. Experience working with frontline audiences in hospitality, retail, leisure, franchise or similar operational environments would be ideal. Experience leading complex cross‑functional delivery involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and fixed deadlines. Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and confidently challenging priorities where appropriate. Experience translating complex operational information into simple, actionable communications. Experience managing communication governance, planning processes or operational delivery calendars. Experience using insight and feedback to improve communication effectiveness.

Skills Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences. Exceptional organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple overlapping deadlines without losing attention to detail. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, including the confidence to challenge constructively and build consensus. Excellent operational judgement – the ability to assess what frontline teams need to know – and equally importantly, what they don’t. Ability to simplify complexity into practical actions. Resilient, calm and adaptable under pressure. High attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate communications on time, every time. Comfortable presenting, facilitating planning sessions and working with senior leadership teams. Strong Microsoft 365 skills, particularly PowerPoint, Word, Outlook and Teams.

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) a 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 + another member of the Comms team 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 under‑represented 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.