Innovation Lead

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

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

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.

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...

1. Apply
(Go on... do it) – send us your CV and answer a couple of app questions.

2. Intro
call with our Talent Team

3. Virtual
call with Hiring Manager + Finance Manager

4. 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.

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.