Category Buyer - Directs

KFC UK & Ireland; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fast-food brand is seeking a Category Buyer to manage procurement processes and supplier relationships in Woking, UK. The role requires excellent negotiation and analytical skills, a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or similar field, and experience in procurement. Benefits include hybrid working, a competitive pension, generous holiday allowance, and health support. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute to organizational growth.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Up to 11% company pension contributions

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

25% off the chicken

Qualifications

• Experience in a procurement, sourcing, or buying role.
• Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for sourcing goods and services to meet business objectives.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships.
• Facilitate communication between suppliers and internal teams.

Skills

Strong negotiation skills

Analytical abilities

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Job description

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 Category Buyer is responsible for the purchasing of goods and services necessary for to achieve the category and wider business objectives. This role ensures that procurement activities are cost-effective, timely, and compliant with internal policies and external regulations. The Buyer develops and maintains supplier relationships, negotiates terms, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to meet business needs

What you’ll do:

Sourcing & Contracting

• Run Procurement processes RFx processes (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 initiativesand 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

Experience

• 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)

ABOUT YOU

• 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

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 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...

1. Apply (Go on... do it) – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions.
2. Intro call with our Talent Team
3. Virtual call with Hiring Manager + an excel task.
4. 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.

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.