Head of Insights and Innovation

KFC; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

KFC Netherlands is seeking a Head of Insights & Innovation in Amsterdam to shape long-term menu strategy, portfolio growth and bold consumer-led innovation. You will lead the Strategy & Innovation team, align across Brand, Digital, Operations and Finance, and drive an evidence-based roadmap from concept to launch.

The role focuses on strategic leadership, commercial calendar management and delivering measurable ROI across the portfolio, with a strong emphasis on Dutch market insights and

Qualifications

• 5-8 years in a commercial, strategy, innovation or portfolio role.
• Experience in food-focused FMCG, foodservice or QSR is strongly preferred; relevant retail or another consumer-led environment will also be considered.
• Proven experience defining innovation roadmaps, portfolio strategy, menu architecture or commercial calendars, and translating strategic direction into clear execution.
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with the critical thinking to interpret consumer and performance data, see the bigger picture and turn insights into sound business decisions.
• Experienced people leadership experience, with a track record of guiding colleagues at different career stages, raising team capability and creating a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Confidence influencing senior leaders, franchise stakeholders and cross-functional partners, while moving comfortably between strategic discussion and operational detail.
• A genuine interest in food, consumer behaviour and Dutch market trends, plus the learning agility to get up to speed quickly in a new environment.
• HBO-level education or equivalent relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Shape our growth strategy: Define and continuously evolve KFC Netherlands’ long-term innovation and portfolio strategy, annual roadmap, menu architecture and lifecycle plans.
• Lead the menu, value and commercial calendar: Set menu priorities, campaign sequencing and promotional architecture, balancing innovation, core menu and value to deliver long- and short-term objectives.
• Bring food innovation to life: Lead the Food Innovation & Technology agenda and oversee product development from concept to launch, including supplier collaboration, validation and restaurant testing.
• Turn insight into action: Translate consumer behaviour, market developments, competitor activity and emerging food trends into strategic recommendations and compelling business cases.
• Drive cross-functional alignment: Chair innovation governance and stage-gate processes, partnering with Brand, Digital, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, European teams and external partners.
• Develop a high-performing team: Lead, coach and develop the Calendar Manager, FIT Lead and Junior FIT Manager, setting clear priorities, objectives and development plans.
• Own performance and improvement: Manage innovation and portfolio budgets, evaluate ROI and post-launch effectiveness, report performance to senior leadership and continuously improve how we manage the portfolio.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Portfolio strategy

Innovation roadmap

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Marketing/Brand coordination

Budget management

Education

HBO-level education

Job description

As Head of Insights & Innovation, you will define and deliver KFC Netherlands’ long-term menu, portfolio and innovation strategy. Reporting to the Marketing Director, you will lead the Strategy & Innovation team and connect bold, consumer-led thinking with strong commercial execution.

This is primarily a strategic leadership and team-enablement role.

You will shape the innovation roadmap, menu architecture, value strategy and commercial calendar, while maintaining a strong understanding of operational delivery. Using consumer insight, local market trends and commercial data, you will guide decisions, challenge constructively and ensure the team can bring relevant food innovation from concept to launch.

Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Start Date: January 2027

Contract type: Permanent, full-time

Responsibilities:

• Shape our growth strategy: Define and continuously evolve KFC Netherlands’ long-term innovation and portfolio strategy, annual roadmap, menu architecture and lifecycle plans.
• Lead the menu, value and commercial calendar: Set menu priorities, campaign sequencing and promotional architecture, balancing innovation, core menu and value to deliver long- and short-term objectives.
• Bring food innovation to life: Lead the Food Innovation & Technology agenda and oversee product development from concept to launch, including supplier collaboration, validation and restaurant testing.
• Turn insight into action: Translate consumer behaviour, market developments, competitor activity and emerging food trends into strategic recommendations and compelling business cases.
• Drive cross-functional alignment: Chair innovation governance and stage-gate processes, partnering with Brand, Digital, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, European teams and external partners.
• Develop a high-performing team: Lead, coach and develop the Calendar Manager, FIT (Food Innovation & Technology) Lead and Junior FIT Manager, setting clear priorities, objectives and development plans.
• Own performance and improvement: Manage innovation and portfolio budgets, evaluate ROI and post-launch effectiveness, report performance to senior leadership and continuously improve how we manage the portfolio.

Requirements:

• 5-8 years of experience in a commercial, strategy, innovation or portfolio role.
• Experience in food-focused FMCG, foodservice or QSR is strongly preferred; relevant retail or another consumer-led environment will also be considered.
• Proven experience defining innovation roadmaps, portfolio strategy, menu architecture or commercial calendars, and translating strategic direction into clear execution.
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with the critical thinking to interpret consumer and performance data, see the bigger picture and turn insights into sound business decisions.
• Experienced people leadership experience, with a track record of guiding colleagues at different career stages, raising team capability and creating a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Confidence influencing senior leaders, franchise stakeholders and cross-functional partners, while moving comfortably between strategic discussion and operational detail.
• A genuine interest in food, consumer behaviour and Dutch market trends, plus the learning agility to get up to speed quickly in a new environment.
• HBO-level education or equivalent relevant experience.
• English is essential; Dutch is preferred.