Distribution Lead

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

Job summary

A leading food service brand is seeking a proactive Distribution Lead to oversee relationships with distribution partners and enhance supply chain logistics across the UK & Ireland. Responsibilities include managing performance metrics, coaching team members, and spearheading improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong project leadership experience and advanced skills in Excel and Power BI. This role offers a hybrid working model and extensive benefits, fostering a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Company pension contributions up to 11%

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Enhanced parental leave

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Study support

Qualifications

• Proven track record in supply chain or distribution management within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong project leadership skills, with experience delivering measurable improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Excellent communication and partnership skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage relationships with primary distribution partners.
• Coach and develop a direct report (Supply Planner).
• Own distributor KPI reporting and present updates to senior stakeholders.
• Partner with Procurement to manage product lifecycle changes.
• Drive improvement initiatives within Distribution.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Project leadership

Collaborative team player

Communication skills

Tools

PowerBI

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.

We are seeking a proactive and results-oriented Distribution Lead to join our UK & Ireland Supply Chain team. In this role, you will ensure seamless deliveries to our restaurants, lead key distribution partnerships, and play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across the region.

You will work closely with the broader UKI Supply Chain team, internal functions such as Operations and Communications, and our external distribution partners. Reporting directly to the UKI Supply Chain Director, you will also support the delivery of transformational supply chain projects and contribute to the long-term strategy of the business.

Your leadership will directly impact restaurant performance and customer satisfaction, making you a key driver of our supply chain success.

What you’ll do :

Distribution Partner Management

• Lead and manage relationships with our two primary distribution partners, ensuring accountability and high-quality performance across the UK & Ireland.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for restaurant operators on delivery needs and performance issues.

Team Leadership & Development

• Coach and develop a direct report (Supply Planner), fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and high performance.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Own distributor KPI reporting, ensuring data accuracy, actionable insights, and continuous improvement in delivery performance.
• Present clear, impactful updates to senior stakeholders on supply chain performance, fund position, and project progress.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement to manage product lifecycle changes (new listings, delisting, tenders) and ensure smooth execution within distribution.
• Work closely with data experts, leveraging tools such as the restaurant ordering platform, Power BI, and Excel for performance analysis.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Drive improvement initiatives within Distribution, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service quality.
• Proactively resolve product availability and delivery issues, working with suppliers and distributors to mitigate impact on restaurants.
• Support the development and execution of the UKI Supply Chain strategy and long-term initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a business partner to internal & external stakeholders (GMs / CMOs / CFOs, FZ’s) to understand needs and align on category strategies.

Experience

• Proven track record in supply chain or distribution management within a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Strong project leadership skills, with experience delivering measurable improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with analytics tools (e.g., PowerBI) to drive data‑led decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at senior levels internally and externally.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching experience, managing and developing individuals or small teams
• Excellent communication and partnership skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external partners across regional business
• You take ownership and deliver with accountability, thriving in an environment of pace and complexity.
• You’re a collaborative team player with a positive, solutions‑focused mindset.
• You adapt communication to diverse audiences, building trust and alignment across teams.
• You embrace a growth mindset, continuously seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and innovate

ABOUT YOU

• Strong skills in Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Quick to learn and apply new knowledge.
• Strong experience in Senior Distribution roles, ideally within food industry or related field.

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...

• Apply (Go on... do it) – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions.
• Intro call with our Talent Team
• Virtual call with Hiring Manager
• Virtual call with the Supply Chain Director

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.