Category Manager - Directs

KFC UK & Ireland; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Up to 11% company pension contributions

Friday finishes at 1pm

5 Live Well Days a year

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

25% off the chicken

Job summary

A leading food retail company in the UK is looking for a Category Manager to develop and implement sourcing strategies that drive cost savings and supplier performance. This mid-senior level role will involve working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in strategic procurement and excellent negotiation skills. The position offers hybrid working and a range of benefits including private healthcare and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in strategic procurement or supply chain.
• Proven experience in category management, developing strategies.
• Strong contract management and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories.
• Lead RFx processes for sourcing initiatives.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure procurement requirements are met.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Sustainable procurement

Education

Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Category Manager - Directs – KFC UK & Ireland

We sell the world’s best chicken. Since 1939, we’ve served 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing iconic flavor and pride to every table.

At the Restaurant Support Centre (RSC) we empower people to bring their best selves to work. We support our restaurants and help them thrive – and you’ll be part of that journey.

About the role

The Procurement Category Manager develops and implements strategic sourcing strategies for specific procurement categories to deliver long‑term value, cost savings, risk mitigation and supplier performance. The role works closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure category strategies align with business objectives and market trends.

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy Development
  • Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories.
  • Analyse market trends, supply/demand dynamics and supplier landscapes.
  • Identify, evaluate and manage key suppliers to meet quality, delivery and cost objectives.
  • Lead supplier negotiations, performance reviews and relationship initiatives.
• Sourcing & Contracting
  • Lead RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ) for sourcing initiatives.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts, securing commercial terms, SLAs and KPIs.
• 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 (Sustainability)
  • Drive sustainability initiatives within suppliers that reduce environmental impact and support 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 organisations.
• 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.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective team worker.
• Strong drive for results and ambition to grow and develop within the organisation.

Benefits

• Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London).
• Up to 11% company pension contributions.
• Friday finishes at 1pm every Friday.
• 5 Live Well Days a year.
• Bonus scheme linked to company & personal performance.
• Private healthcare, Digital GP access & mental health coaching.
• Enhanced parental leave and flexible return options.
• 25% off the chicken.

Application Process

• Apply – submit CV and respond to a few application questions.
• Intro call with our Talent Team.
• Virtual call with Hiring Manager + an Excel task.
• Virtual call with a stakeholder.

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.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Purchasing, Project Management, and Supply Chain

Industries

• Food & Beverages, Retail, and Food and Beverage Retail