Head of Growth

KFC UK & Ireland; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Fri‑Yay early finishes

Live Well Days

Bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Parental leave

Study support

Chicken discount

Job summary

KFC UK & Ireland is seeking a Head of Growth Portfolio to translate our ambitious growth strategy into action. You will unite strategy, commercial thinking and operating excellence to drive the company’s biggest growth priorities from concept to impact.

This role is not a traditional PMO; you will prioritise and deliver our future growth agenda, creating clear alignment and an operating rhythm to scale Growth Platforms and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex, cross‑functional strategic initiatives in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong track record of turning strategy into measurable commercial outcomes.
• Experience partnering with Executive Leadership Teams on high‑profile strategic priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Growth Portfolio, creating a clear view of strategic priorities, investment and outcomes.
• Connect strategy with execution and remove barriers to enable growth platforms to scale.
• Support strategic planning, investment cases and executive decision‑making.
• Build governance, capabilities and ways of working for scalable growth.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Commercial mindset

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Ambiguity navigation

Cross-functional leadership

Job description

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

You’ll sit at the heart of KFC UK&I’s Growth team, working directly with our Chief Growth Officer and partnering with the UK&I Leadership Team and teams across the business. Together, we’re building the next generation of growth platforms—from new ventures and customer propositions to emerging channels and capabilities—that will shape the future of KFC.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You’ll sit at the heart of KFC UK&I’s Growth team, working directly with our Chief Growth Officer and partnering with the UK&I Leadership Team and teams across the business. Together, we’re building the next generation of growth platforms—from new ventures and customer propositions to emerging channels and capabilities—that will shape the future of KFC.

As Head of Growth Portfolio, you’ll turn our ambitious growth strategy into action. You’ll bring together strategy, commercial thinking and operational excellence to ensure our biggest growth priorities move from idea to impact.

This isn’t a traditional PMO role. You’ll shape how we prioritise and deliver our future growth agenda, creating the clarity, alignment and operating rhythm that enables our Growth Platforms to scale and deliver meaningful commercial impact.

WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING?

You’ll lead the Growth Portfolio, creating a clear view of our strategic priorities, investment and outcomes, and bringing teams together behind the opportunities that matter most. You’ll connect strategy with execution, remove barriers and resolve competing priorities while helping us make better, faster decisions. As a trusted partner to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll support strategic planning, investment cases and executive decision‑making, while building the governance, capabilities and ways of working that allow our growth ambitions to scale.

WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:

• You’re a strategic and commercial thinker who turns complexity into clarity.
• You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity and balancing big ambition with disciplined execution.
• You bring people together and can influence, align and constructively challenge at the most senior levels.
• You combine intellectual curiosity with a bias for action.
• You’re an outstanding communicator who can simplify complex ideas and create compelling executive narratives.
• You’re low ego, collaborative and energised by solving complex business problems.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience leading complex, cross‑functional strategic initiatives in a fast‑paced environment.
• A strong track record of turning strategy into measurable commercial outcomes.
• Strong commercial judgement and experience prioritising and making decisions in ambiguous environments.
• Experience partnering with Executive Leadership Teams on high‑profile strategic priorities.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders without formal authority.
• Background in strategy consulting, commercial strategy, transformation, business building or a senior operating role.
• Experience within consumer, retail, hospitality or FMCG environments.

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
• 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!

KFC FOR EVERYONE:

Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, KFC is a place where you can bring the real you to work.

Our promise is this: every person who applies to a role at KFC, regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion or sexual orientation, will have an equal opportunity to work here. We don’t just welcome, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups from all industries.

If you’d like any additional support with your application, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance during the recruitment process, or have any other requirements — just let us know. We’ll be there to help you be the real you.

Ready?

We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.

Worried you aren’t ticking all the boxes? Don’t — we’d still love to hear from you.