Category Buyer - Directs

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC); Old Woking; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quick-service restaurant chain is looking for a Sourcing and Contracting Specialist in Old Woking, UK. You’ll manage procurement processes, develop contracts, and engage stakeholders to ensure efficient supply chain performance. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related fields and experience in procurement. Benefits include hybrid working, extensive holiday, bonus scheme, and health support. Join a company committed to exceptional performance and employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Up to 11% company pension contributions

Fri-Yay finishes at 1 pm

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

5 Live Well Days a year

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Enhanced parental leave

Study support

25% off the chicken

Qualifications

• Experience in a procurement, sourcing or buying role.
• Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM) are desirable but not required.
• Strong drive for results and ambition to grow within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Run procurement processes RFx for sourcing initiatives.
• Support contract development and management activities.
• Contribute to procurement reporting and analysis.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve supply-related issues.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical abilities

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Job description

What you’ll do: Sourcing & Contracting

Sourcing & Contracting

• Run procurement processes RFx (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives.
• Support contract development and management activities, including renewals.
• Assist in the development and execution of procurement strategies and cost‑saving initiatives and amendments.

Supply Chain Performance

• Contribute to procurement reporting and analysis, including spend analysis, cost trends, and savings tracking.
• Develop and maintain a KPI scorecard system to track the performance for projects and strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate regular communication between suppliers and internal teams to ensure expectations are clear and delivery milestones are met.
• Support cross‑functional teams in supplier selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation.
• Provide guidance and support to stakeholders regarding procurement processes, sourcing options, and policy compliance.
• Participate in project meetings, business reviews, and supplier audits alongside key internal stakeholders.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Monitor supplier performance and resolve supply‑related issues to ensure continuity of supply.
• Support identification and mitigation of category‑specific risks, including supply chain disruptions and non‑compliance.
• Track adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Core Competencies

• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and cost‑conscious mindset.
• Analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with procurement and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (e.g., import/export, ethical sourcing).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Procurement, or a related field.
• Experience in a procurement, sourcing, or buying role.
• Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM, etc.) are desirable but not required.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

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 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.