Lead Network Engineer

Overview

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.

KEEPING IT REAL

We don’t hire staff — we hire people. People with real lives and aspirations, building real careers. Each of us has something special to add to the mix we call work, and we’ll always encourage you to add your perspective.

See, at KFC, everyone’s welcome — whatever your background, and whatever future you’re creating. We’ll look out for you because you’re one of us, not because you work for us. We’ll invest in your potential, because it’s what we’ve always done. But most of all, we’ll give you the freedom to be you, wherever
(and whoever) you happen to be.

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 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

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.

Qualifications

WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Cisco CCNP or higher (or equivalent).
• Cloud networking certification (e.g., Azure/AWS) highly desirable.
• Security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CySA+, or SSCP) are advantageous.

• Routing & Switching: Expert knowledge of BGP, static routing, route redistribution. VLANs, trunking, STP variants, LACP/Ether Channel.
• Cloud & Modern IT: Significant knowledge of cloud networking principles including the design and configuration of services (Azure/AWS), including Express Routes, vNets, NGS’s, routing tables, and security appliances.
• Networking Principles & Protocols: Expert understanding of network protocols and infrastructure such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, 802.1x. SD-WAN, PKI, Radius, QoS, IP addressing and subnetting.
• Firewalls: Substantial understanding and experience of policy & object configuration, IPS/IDS, web filtering, application control, SSL inspection, VPN’s, IPsec tunnels, HA clusters, segmentation, and NAT.
• Security Controls: Proven ability to implement, and maintain robust network security measures for infrastructure, users, and devices. Skilled in configuring security policies, logging and monitoring, and integrating advanced solutions such as IDS/IPS, NAC, and network segmentation.
• Management & Monitoring: Proficient with SNMP, syslog, SIEM, and network automation, capacity planning and monitoring tools including introducing such tooling.
• Threat Landscape: Deep understanding of common networking attack vectors and defense-in-depth strategies.
• Risk & Compliance: Board understanding of risk assessment methodologies, control frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST CSF, CIS Controls).

• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Keen eye for anomalies; precise documentation and follow-through.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication—translating technical detail into business-friendly risk insights.
• Collaboration: Works well with…