KFC UK & Ireland
Food Quality Lead (12 month contract)
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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 Our Marketing team is a 50-strong crew of bold thinkers, culture shapers and creative doers - from Brand and Digital to Strategy, Food Quality and Innovation. We’re here to keep KFC at the heart of culture across the UK & Ireland, blending our iconic roots with fresh, fearless ideas that connect with real people.
We don’t just make ads - we build love, drive growth, and stay one step ahead of what’s next.
ABOUT THE ROLE This is the person who keeps it real when it comes to food.
At KFC, great food is at the heart of everything we do—and this role makes sure it stays that way. As Quality Manager for UK & Ireland, you’ll lead the end-to-end quality, food safety and compliance agenda across one of our most important markets. You’ll also run our Innovation Kitchen, playing a critical role in bringing new products to life and ensuring they land brilliantly in restaurant.
You’ll be the subject matter expert across food safety, legislation and product quality—but also deeply connected to how our food is made, from supplier through to the customer experience in restaurant.
Working closely with the Food & Quality Director and cross-functional teams, you’ll help protect the brand while enabling innovation and growth.
You’ll also collaborate with our Pan-Europe Quality function, who lead supplier audits and ingredient compliance, ensuring alignment across markets.
WHAT YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME DOING:
This is a broad, high-impact role spanning strategy through to execution—truly from farm to fork. Owning food safety, quality and legal compliance across all KFC products in UK & Ireland Leading and developing a small, high-performing team (Quality Technologist and Kitchen Manager) Delivering product and process projects from concept through to successful restaurant launch Acting as the guardian of product quality—ensuring consistency across every restaurant Leading the response to new regulations and legislation, keeping the business compliant and future-ready Acting as the key contact for trading standards, customer incidents and technical PR matters Driving continuous improvement and cost-efficiency initiatives with supply chain, suppliers and operations Leading product, equipment and recipe validation, including reformulation where needed Supporting key brand priorities such as nutrition and Halal standards Using data, audits and insights to identify risks and continuously raise standards Partnering cross-functionally to embed quality into all business decisions Building and championing a strong food safety culture across the organisation
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WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
Because great food doesn’t happen by accident.
You’ll ensure every product we serve is safe, compliant and high quality—while helping us innovate and evolve to meet changing customer expectations. It’s a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with real commercial impact.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:
ABOUT YOU We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical expertise with a practical, hands-on mindset. A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions Self-motivated, curious and adaptable in a fast-paced environment Comfortable working in a lean team with broad responsibility A pragmatic problem-solver with strong commercial awareness Passionate about high standards, continuous improvement and delivery Energised by working on food that reaches millions of customers
EXPERIENCE: At least 5 years’ experience in a food technical role (manufacturing, retail or food service) Degree in Food Science or a related discipline strong expertise in food safety, quality management systems and food legislation Experience working across the full food supply chain, from supplier to end consumer Proven track record of delivering projects and influencing multiple stakeholders Confident managing risk, incidents and complex challenges Commercially aware, with a solutions-focused approach Able to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail
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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). This role is remote based but occasional visits to our RSC will be required. Up to 11% company pension contributions Fri-Yay finishes at 1pm every Friday 25 days’ holiday (plus bank hols) a 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 + Operations Franchise Lead F2F interview & Task at our HQ, Home of The Real Ones in Woking
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.
Please note this is a 12 month maternity contract
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.
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