Project Manager - Sustainability

at  KFC UK I Corporate Affairs and Sustainability

WELCOME TO KFC.

Take one man with a big idea, add 11 herbs and spices, grit, ambition, and buckets of heart – you’ve got KFC.
Since 1939, we’ve been bringing finger lickin’ good chicken to the world, and today we’re proud to be in over 1000 communities across the UK & Ireland. But without our people, none of it would be possible. Just like our recipe, they’re all original.
Join us. Bring it. And together, we can be part of something truly extraordinary.

WHAT WE’D LOVE FROM YOU

About You

• We’re looking for someone who is really enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. Fire us up with the potential for what we could achieve in this space!
• This is a role that requires the ability to make an impact and influence diverse stakeholders. With our management team, Team Members in our restaurants, and our franchisees. You will need gravitas and credibility. You’ll also need to be a pragmatist; the process of making change at such scale will take time and there will undoubtedly be bumps along the road. This is not a role for someone who’s a purist who won’t compromise.
• It sounds trite but you’ll also really need to be a people person. You’ll need to be able to develop relationships across all functions of the business, and all levels, to find the right answers, or to get the help you need to deliver a project.
• You’ll have an understanding of the balance between the external pressures and demands of stakeholders – and the internal pressures of a commercial business

Experience

• 3 years+ experience
• A relevant qualification in sustainability or related subject
• A depth of knowledge and passion for sustainability, with subject matter expertise in a range of environmental areas including Net Zero strategy and Waste & Circularity
• Experience of the food & drink sector is an advantage
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Superb project management capabilities with an eye for data and detail
• Experience working within a complex organisational structure would be beneficial
• Ability to measure and report on progress
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly to bring data to life and influence decisions
• Willingness to travel within the UK&I

BRINGING IT TO THE ROLE.

At KFC UK & Ireland, we have made bold commitments within the ESG space and are ambitious in our plans to be a business that does things ‘The Right Way’. Due to the growing need for expertise in this area, we are looking for a Sustainability Projects manager to support us in turning these goals into strategies and actions.
As part of the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Team, you will champion our commitment to sustainability and ESG matters. With the support of the Head of Sustainability, you will ensure that our sustainability projects across the business are aligned with our Sustainability and Net Zero goals. You will be key in developing and managing programs that will help us reduce our carbon emissions, deliver our packaging commitments, and reduce our waste across the whole of our business.
This role will particularly suit someone with a background within the ESG space with excellent project management and relationship-building skills. You will require superb project management capabilities to make sure everything stays on track and be able to measure and report on progress
You may need to represent the business from time to time at forums and meetings with and coordinate the internal and external stakeholders in this space too. As such the ability to communicate effectively, with impact, both verbally and in writing is essential.
Reporting to our Head of Sustainability, you will be part of a small but growing sustainability team. The role sits within the corporate affairs and sustainability team. Over time there will be the potential for this role to take on direct reports.
This role will have a huge impact on the future of the brand – a brand that has real ambition to grow but to also do the right thing, and to make a difference to society.
There’s one more important thing to say about KFC.. this is a fun place to work. Our culture is unique. We are not looking for a dry corporate ‘suit’. Yes, you’ll need to be super smart and totally engaged in the debate around sustainability and responsible business. And this is a business full of bright people who like to get stuff done. But we also love a chicken pun and don’t take ourselves too seriously.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Proactively lead and manage programs on Waste reduction, KFC Net Zero Roadmap, food and packaging

• Track and measure progress to identify opportunities to implement key improvements on ESG projects
• Monitor the progress of other functions against their ESG objectives, utilising project management skills to ensure effective and efficient documentation
• Provide in-depth subject matter knowledge of Sustainability and thus contribute to the horizon scanning of risks to KFC UK&I in the ESG space.
• Translate legislative requirements into useful information for key stakeholders across the business, supporting other functions to fulfill their ESG obligations
• Engage with colleagues across the organisation to build the sustainability network and inform and engage on the sustainability plans
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful embedding of sustainability across the whole organisation
• Liaise with external & internal stakeholders – including our key stakeholders, internal teams and franchise partners
• Develop content ideas for sustainability communications both for internal and external audiences
• Attend meetings, events, and seminars, representing the business externally where relevant.
• Support the broader business strategy, providing timely and relevant content that will inform our approach across internal and external communications channels