KFC UK & Ireland
Operations Innovations Lead
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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 Operations teams are where the real magic happens - running over 250 company-owned restaurants across the UK and Ireland, supporting our teams on the ground, solving challenges and driving for better every day. It’s hands-on, people-first work, packed with real growth, real impact, and plenty of fun along the way.
From the teams serving up the Colonel’s Original Recipe to life, to the leaders driving customer excellence, food safety, risk and compliance, we are an army of bold, passionate, guest obsessed people, keeping KFC at its best.
ABOUT THE ROLE
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As Innovation Lead, you'll shape the future of restaurant operations at KFC UK&I. You'll define and deliver our Operations Innovation Strategy, leading a portfolio of initiatives that improve the experience for our teams, franchisees and guests. Working across the business, you'll turn ambitious ideas into practical, scalable solutions that drive operational excellence and commercial results.
WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING?
- Lead the Operations Innovation portfolio from concept through to rollout and adoption.
- Turn business strategy into clear innovation priorities and delivery plans.
- Drive cross-functional programmes across Operations, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, Commercial and Global teams.
- Lead restaurant pilots and market tests, using insights to shape future initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with franchisees and stakeholders to drive engagement and adoption.
- Develop business cases, manage governance and track the benefits of innovation initiatives.
- Champion continuous improvement that enhances restaurant performance, team experience and guest satisfaction.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU
- A strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- An influential leader who brings people together to deliver change.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance big-picture thinking with operational practicality.
- Confidence leading complex, cross-functional programmes in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A collaborative approach and a drive to make a measurable impact
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EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Experience in Innovation, Strategy, Transformation or Operational Excellence.
- Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional change programmes.
- Strong project or programme management experience.
- Experience developing business cases and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Desirable
- Experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality or another multi-site environment.
- Experience working with franchise businesses.
- Knowledge of operating model design, change management and innovation delivery.
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.
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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