ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Senior People & Culture Business Partner – Operations to join Team KFC and play a pivotal leadership role in delivering our People & Culture strategy across the Equity business.
This position is an evolution of the Level 8 PC Business Partner role — designed for an experienced people leader who can shape and drive complex, cross-functional People initiatives that have a strategic and operational impact across the full Equity estate.
You will partner closely with the People Operations Director and the Equity Leadership Team, leading a team of People Capability Coaches and influencing senior operations stakeholders to deliver sustainable business performance through our people.
You will also hold end-to-end ownership of critical and complex cross-functional Equity‑specific People projects, ensuring alignment across functions, geographies, and business priorities. These initiatives will often extend beyond regional boundaries, influencing the direction of the Equity business and its organisational evolution.
This is a field‑based role within your region, with occasional travel to our Restaurant Support Centre (RSC) in Woking.
WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING
Operate as a Strategic Partner and Senior Advisor
- Lead your region and influence across the full Equity business to maximise the effectiveness of our restaurant teams through organisational design, culture, capability, and engagement.
- Partner with Operations Directors and Equity Leaders as a trusted advisor on strategic people initiatives and workforce planning.
- Provide thought leadership to shape people strategies that drive commercial performance, engagement, and long‑term talent sustainability.
- Act as a visible culture champion and trusted senior voice across the Equity leadership community.
Drive Strategic, Cross‑Functional People Projects
- Lead end‑to‑end ownership of critical and complex People & Culture projects that have cross‑functional and cross‑regional impact across the Equity estate.
- Design, develop, and execute people initiatives in areas such as talent pipeline development, inclusion, organisational effectiveness, and change management.
- Partner cross‑functionally (Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, and Brand) to ensure integrated delivery of People priorities.
- Leverage data, insight, and external best practice to continuously evolve our approach to people development and employee experience.
Lead and Develop Teams
- Line manage and coach a team of People Capability Coaches, ensuring delivery excellence across all aspects of operational people support.
- Build capability within your team and across the wider Equity business to drive people leadership at every level.
- Act as a mentor and coach to other P&C Business Partners, supporting a culture of continuous learning and development.
Champion Employee Experience and Engagement
- Drive the evolution of our employee engagement and recognition strategies, building a culture of performance, belonging, and pride.
- Lead initiatives that enhance employee voice and inclusivity, ensuring that every team member feels heard, valued, and supported.
- Partner with Communications, L&D, and Operations to embed meaningful engagement practices that deliver measurable impact.
Act as a Change Agent
- Provide strategic leadership on organisational design, talent transformation, and cultural evolution.
- Drive continuous improvement of People & Culture processes and systems to ensure the Equity business remains agile, compliant, and forward‑thinking.
- Anticipate external trends and proactively adapt our people strategy to position KFC as a leading employer in the market.
WHAT WE LOVE FROM YOU
Skills & Capabilities
- A strategic, forward‑thinking People leader with proven experience influencing at senior levels across a complex, matrixed organisation.
- Exceptional relationship builder and communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large‑scale projects with cross‑functional interdependencies.
- Data‑driven decision maker with strong analytical, commercial, and judgement skills.
- An inspiring coach and mentor who develops and empowers others to deliver excellence.
- Confident working in ambiguity, with high resilience and agility in a fast‑paced environment.
Experience
- Extensive HR/People Business Partner experience at a senior level, ideally within a multi‑site operational business.
- Proven success in leading large‑scale, cross‑functional people initiatives with measurable impact.
- Line management experience with a track record of developing high‑performing teams.
- Strong understanding of UK employment and immigration law.
- Experience navigating complex organisational change and transformation
ABOUT YOU
- A genuine team player
- A self‑starter with curiosity, energy and adaptability
- Hungry to learn and thrive in a small, mighty team
- A practical problem‑solver with strong commercial instincts
- Obsessed with high standards, momentum and getting things done
- And of course… a true KFC believer
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 a field 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.
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.
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