Distribution Manager

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.

We’re the engine behind the bucket - making sure every restaurant has what it needs, when it needs it. From sourcing ingredients to delivering packaging, furniture, and even marketing, our Supply Chain & Procurement team owns the journey from farm to fingers. We think big, challenge the status quo, and collaborate across the business to keep KFC running smoothly and growing strong.

We are seeking a proactive and results-oriented Distribution Lead to join our UK & Ireland Supply Chain team. In this role, you will ensure seamless deliveries to our restaurants, lead key distribution partnerships, and play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence across the region.

You will work closely with the broader UKI Supply Chain team, internal functions such as Operations and Communications, and our external distribution partners. Reporting directly to the UKI Supply Chain Director, you will also support the delivery of transformational supply chain projects and contribute to the long‑term strategy of the business.

Your leadership will directly impact restaurant performance and customer satisfaction, making you a key driver of our supply chain success.

• Lead and manage relationships with our two primary distribution partners, ensuring accountability and high‑quality performance across the UK & Ireland.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for restaurant operators on delivery needs and performance issues.

• Coach and develop a direct report (Supply Planner), fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and high performance.

• Own distributor KPI reporting, ensuring data accuracy, actionable insights, and continuous improvement in delivery performance.
• Present clear, impactful updates to senior stakeholders on supply chain performance, fund position, and project progress.

• Partner with Procurement to manage product lifecycle changes (new listings, delisting, tenders) and ensure smooth execution within distribution.
• Work closely with data experts, leveraging tools such as the restaurant ordering platform, Power BI, and Excel for performance analysis.

• Drive improvement initiatives within Distribution, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and service quality.
• Proactively resolve product availability and delivery issues, working with suppliers and distributors to mitigate impact on restaurants.
• Support the development and execution of the UKI Supply Chain strategy and long‑term initiatives.

• Act as a business partner to internal & external stakeholders (GMs / CMOs/ CFOs, FZ’s) to understand needs and align on category strategies.

• Proven track record in supply chain or distribution management within a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
• Strong project leadership skills, with experience delivering measurable improvements and strategic initiatives.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with analytics tools (e.g., Power
  
  BI) to drive data‑led decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at senior levels internally and externally.
• Demonstrated leadership and coaching experience, managing and developing…