Category Manager - Directs

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Woking; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in procurement and supply chain is seeking a Procurement Category Manager to develop and implement procurement strategies. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring alignment with business goals. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in strategic procurement and exceptional negotiation skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and various benefits, including a generous pension scheme and private healthcare.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Up to 11% company pension contributions

25 days' holiday

Private healthcare

25% off the chicken

Qualifications

• Strong experience in strategic procurement and category management.
• Proven ability in developing category strategies and end-to-end sourcing.
• Knowledge of ESG and sustainable procurement practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage supplier relationships and lead negotiations.
• Deliver cost savings through strategic sourcing.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Category management

Strong negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Education

Professional certifications (CIPS, CPSM, PMP)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

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 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

What's in it for you:

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

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.