Category Manager Directs

Woking, ENG, GB, United Kingdom

Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

LOCATION:

WOKING

DEPARTMENT:

RESTAURANT SUPPORT CENTRE

HOURS:

FULL TIME

CLOSING DATE:

17 JANUARY 2026

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.



What's the gig? Well, you support our restaurants -- and we'll support you every step of the way. Simple. Our doors are open -- and they can take you anywhere.



All we ask is that you be you. Because that makes us, us. Sound good? Great. Let's find out about that job.



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 brands 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

READY?



We hope so, if you're ready to be part of our community, now's the time to apply.



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.



WELCOME TO KFC.

HOME OF THE REAL ONES.



We sell the world's best chicken. We've done it for a long old time -- since 1939, when the idea of finger lickin' good chicken popped into our Colonel's head. Now, we proudly serve 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing the grit, pride and iconic reputation that started in Kentucky all those years ago.



People who are original. Individual. Fresh. We come to work to be ourselves, and to make something of ourselves. We bring the graft and the laughs every day -- building our own community, as we serve our original recipe chicken to the ones we're in.



In our place, ambition grows. Careers build. Potential goes further. Our doors are open, and they can take you anywhere.



If you join our team, we only ask one thing. That you be you.



Because that makes us, us.



JOB LOCATION DETAILS

Guildford Road, Woking, United Kingdom, GU22 7NJ



DISCOVER OUR BUSINESS

CHAMPIONING POTENTIAL AT KFC.



At KFC, we are the originals. Real ones bringing their authentic selves to work every day. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what makes you unique - there's a place for you at the Colonel's table.



BUCKETS OF OPPORTUNITY.



Think we're just a chicken shop. Think again. At KFC we're serious about helping you discover your potential. We don't hire staff. We hire Team Members. Real people, building real careers, in a real community. And it begins right here.



CHAMPIONING POTENTIAL AT KFC.



At KFC, we are the originals. Real ones bringing their authentic selves to work every day. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what makes you unique - there's a place for you at the Colonel's table.



BUCKETS OF OPPORTUNITY.



Think we're just a chicken shop. Think again. At KFC we're serious about helping you discover your potential. We don't hire staff. We hire Team Members. Real people, building real careers, in a real community. And it begins right here.



CHAMPIONING POTENTIAL AT KFC.



At KFC, we are the originals. Real ones bringing their authentic selves to work every day. No matter who you are, where you're from, or what makes you unique - there's a place for you at the Colonel's table.



BUCKETS OF OPPORTUNITY.



Think we're just a chicken shop. Think again. At KFC we're serious about helping you discover your potential. We don't hire staff. We hire Team Members. Real people, building real careers, in a real community. And it begins right here.



PERKS, REWARDS AND BENEFITS.



We do things our own way here. And that includes the way we reward you for bringing the graft. And the laughs, too.



Here's what the real deal could look like for you.



DISCOVER OUR FULL RANGE OF BENEFITS

ENHANCED PENSION SCHEME



We'll contribute up to 11%, which could mean we pay more into your pension than you do.



FRI-YAY FINISHES



Clock off at 1pm on a Friday all year round - and make your workdays zing with virtual commutes and hybrid/flexible working.



5 WELLBEING DAYS EACH YEAR



Get 5 extra days to look after you and your wellbeing - on top of your usual holiday allowance.



GENEROUS BONUS SCHEME



We reward strong performance and our bonuses could mean you earn well above industry norms.



ENHANCED HOLIDAYS



You'll start off with 25 days' holiday, which rises to 30 days after 5 years. Plus you have the option to buy and sell additional days.



PROFESSIONAL 1-2-1 COACHING



Personal development, growth and fulfilment come with the territory at KFC.



HEALTHCARE AND LIFE PROTECTION



From private medical insurance to critical illness, life assurance, income protection, dental plan, cancer checks and even a digital GP, we've got your covered.



LIFESTYLE-FRIENDLY PERKS



Flex your package with travel insurance, cycle scheme, retail discounts, charity giving, tech scheme, food and drink discount cards and much more.



25% KFC DISCOUNT



Big discounts on your finger lickin' favorites.



DISCOUNTED GYM MEMBERSHIP



Stay strong with up to 25% off gym membership, up to 50% off home workouts and up to 70% off home and lifestyle purchases.



FULL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME



Lots of well supported wellbeing services including mental health support, legal advice and more for you and your family.



FREE MORTGAGE ADVICE



We can help you get on - or climb up - the property ladder.

Beware of fraud agents! do not pay money to get a job

MNCJobs.co.uk will not be responsible for any payment made to a third-party. All Terms of Use are applicable.


Related Jobs

Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD4434369
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Full Time
  • Job Location
    Woking, ENG, GB, United Kingdom
  • Education
    Not mentioned